CHN P5

The physical environment varles, & so with the people's way of behaving & coping

The people are different from each other, thus the dynamics in one community difrers

from that of the other.

CHARACTERISTICS:

.It is defined by geographic boundaries within certain identifiable characteristics

o It is made up of institutions organized into a social system with institutions&

organizations linked in a complex network having a formal & informal power

structure & a communication system

o A common or shared interest that binds the members together exists

o It has an area with fluid boundaries within which a problem can be identified &

solved

o It hasa population aggregate concept

A community is regarded as an "organism which has its own stages of development

(matures fast or slow) and responses to problems may be adequate, inadequate,

inappropriate or delayed.

CLASSIFICATION:

1. Rural-also known as open lands, often agricultural in nature which is more spacious

and less densely populated

2. Urban-often known as city or cities which are non-agricultural by nature, are

densely populated, and marked by industrial products and technology

3. Suburban/ Rurban / the Capitais usually the administrative capital of a province

characterized by a unique mix of agriculture and industry.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A HEALTHY COMMUNITY

1. Awareness that "we are a community"

2. Conservation of natural resources

3. Recognition of and respect for the existence of subgroups

4. Participation of subgroups in community affairs

5. Preparation to meet crises

6. Ability to solve problems

7. Communication through open channels

8. Resources available to all

9. Settling of disputes through legitimate mechanisms

10. Participation by citizens in decision-making

11. Wellness of a high degree among its members

HEALTH

.Viewed as a continuum, is considered the goal of public health in general, and community

health nursing in particular

Important prerequisite (and consequence) of development

By promoting health and preventing diseases, CHNs therefore, contribute to the country's

economic and social development.

Is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of

disease or infirmity (WHO, 1995).

FACTORS AFFECTING HEALTH

1. Poverty
2. Culture

3. Environment

4. Politics

ECOSYSTEM INFLUENCES ON OPTIMUM LEVEL OF FUNCTIONING (OLOF)

Modified from (Blum 1974:3)

.Further modified by the Community Health Nursing Committee NLPGN, 2000

Factors or things that make people healthy or not, known as determinants of

health:

Employment and working conditions