Applying geo-spatial analysis in community needs assessment: Implications for planning and prioritizing based on data.
Colonias are sub standardized and unincorporated areas located along the US-Mexico border, with severely lacking infrastructure. Residents have poor health and limited availability, accessibility and/or utilization of healthcare services in the region.



Using 2006-2007 community needs assessment (CNA) surveys collected by the Center for Housing and Urban Development of Texas A&M University, 410 randomly selected surveys from Hidalgo County, Texas were analyzed. Descriptive and spatial analyses were performed and Odds ratio (OR) was calculated.



Out of 410 surveys, 333 were geo-coded to identify areas most in need of dental and vision care. Two hospitals existed within 5 miles radius of the mean centers for the two areas. Distance to health care facility was not statistically predictive of the need of dental care OR=0.96 (95% CI=0.855-1.078, p value=0.492) and vision care OR=1.083 (95% CI=0.968-1.212, p value=0.164).



Integrating spatial analysis and CNA enhances planning to improve service accessibility and utilization in underserved areas.
Texas A&M University, Center for the Study of Health Disparities, College Station, TX 77840, USA. Electronic address: kbaig82@gmail.com.
Kamran
K
Baig
Texas A&M University, Center for the Study of Health Disparities, College Station, TX 77840, USA. Electronic address: marshaw@fiu.edu.
Mary
M
Shaw-Ridley
Texas A&M University, Center for Housing and Urban Development, 9350 S. Presa, Ste.110, San Antonio, TX 78223, USA. Electronic address: omunoz@arch.tamu.edu.
Oscar J
OJ
Munoz
D000328:Adult; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016730:Program Development / Q000379:methods*; D062206:Spatial Analysis; D013781:Texas
Colonias; Healthcare services; Needs assessment; Spatial