Graduate Research Papers

Availability

Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the perceptions of rural adult Iowans about the healthiness of their community, the individuals and groups that need to cooperatively participate, the actions that need to be taken to develop, maintain, and/or enhance the healthiness of the community, and the definition of healthy. Respondents provided information regarding the most healthy features of their community, the most unhealthy features and their needed changes, the individuals and groups/institutions that need to cooperatively participate and their perception of the definition of healthy. Results of this study are based on responses to 25 surveys or 100% of the original sample.

Respondents indicated that the public schools were the most healthy feature of their community. They also indicated that the economy was the most unhealthy feature and that more jobs, industry, businesses, and opportunities need to develop for this to change to a healthy feature. The individuals and groups/institutions identified who need to cooperatively participate were the teachers and public schools. The definitions of healthy varied.

Areas perceived of lesser importance were the college, hospital and new freeway, for most healthy features and lack of doctors, minimal garbage pick-up for the most unhealthy features. Youth were considered of lesser importance for individuals that need to cooperatively participate and the Chamber of Commerce, churches, community leaders, and industry were the groups/institutions.

The community surveyed placed little or no importance on the community newspaper and the local community college. They both have a great impact on the community and can be a tremedous resource.

Year of Submission

1991

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services

First Advisor

Dennis Cryer

Comments

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Date Original

1991

Object Description

1 PDF file (57 pages)

Language

en

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