Community Survey Analysis
Methodology and Survey Instrument Development
The survey results supplement other primary research activities and provide an empirical perspective on key project issues . Specifically , the confidential survey helped to further inform community members ’ perspectives and opinions about behavioral health needs , currently available resources , services that should be added or modified , and ways to help people get the care they need .
The survey was disseminated using online and paper questionnaires , and it was offered in three languages ( Spanish , Creole , and English ). The questionnaire included closed-ended , need-specific evaluation questions ; open-ended questions ; and demographic questions . Research suggests that individuals sharing many of the demographic characteristics of the target population may provide socially desirable responses , and thus compromise the validity of the items . Special care was exercised to minimize the amount of this non-sampling error by careful assessment of design effects ( e . g ., question order , question wording , response alternatives ).
Invitations to participate were provided to the community through e-mails from area agencies and the Polk Vision project partners . Affiliated and non-affiliated community partners disseminated the survey through a wide variety of channels , including websites , social media , and emails .
Outreach was conducted throughout Polk County . A total of approximately 300 individuals completed the survey . The survey was open for approximately five weeks to maximize community involvement and analysis of results .
Survey Respondent Demographics
Of the approximately 300 individuals who completed the survey , survey respondents were most likely to identify as :
• Female ( 84.3 %)
• Middle age ( 45 to 64 years old ) – ( 57.6 %)
• White / Caucasian ( 72.2 %) or African American / Black ( 10.1 %)
• With at least one college degree ( 84.1 %); and
• Nearly one fifth of survey respondents make less than $ 50,000 a year ( 18.3 %) For a full demographic breakdown of the survey respondents , please see the Appendix .
Please note that as of the drafting of the Stage 2 Report , the community survey is still in the field ; the purpose is to provide as many opportunities as possible for community members to share their insights . When the survey is closed ( January 2021 ), tables , charts , and ( where needed ) summary observations will be updated .
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