A community health needs assessment using principles of community-based participatory research in a Mississippi Delta community: a novel methodological approach

This article describes the methodological approach used to conduct a community health needs assessment (CHNA) using community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles in a Mississippi Delta community. Eighty-five residents participated in the study that was conducted in Charleston, Mississippi. The mixed-methods research design included five components: key informant interviews, focus groups, assessments of the built and the nutrition environment, and assessment of selected health policies. Findings from the CHNA revealed priority health concerns, social and environmental issues, strengths, weaknesses, and assets of the community, as well as existing organizations that could be involved in efforts to improve health. Findings from the CHNA identify the priority health issues, needs, and service gaps. These findings will be used to inform future planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of programs to improve the health of the Charleston community. This study provides numerous methodological contributions to the existing literature regarding CBPR and CHNAs that may help development researchers and practitioners.