Community Reflective Essay

Throughout the semester, we have learned how different communities require different needs. When understanding each community, and their strengths and weaknesses, the nurses of the community can help out and give the community what they need. When choosing a community to research, the chosen zip code was 85206, which is part of Mesa, Arizona. In this essay, the author will discuss the social determinants in the chosen community.
Social
Within this community, there are numerous housing developments, food markets, social gatherings, and various businesses. These places provide the communities population with their daily needs. With all of the business industries, the people have the availability to achieve different jobs in specific areas. In

addition, the community is located just a few blocks away from one of Mesa’s biggest hospitals. The hospital is centrally located, allowing the community to access it from all areas. Industries that are not available to the population are easily accessed by bus transportation. This form of public transportation provides the community with bus stops on every corner. The buses continuously run throughout the day, and late into the night hours. An interesting point about this community is how different the East side is from the West side. On the West side, there is a large community called Leisure World. This community primarily consists of people age 55 plus. The community is well kept up, there was nothing out of place, the landscape was beautiful, and it was welcoming to the community. However, on the East side, the community is more so business with one housing development. This housing development is run down, the streets are more cluttered with trash, there are numerous people standing at the bus stops. Ultimately, this area has a large social life, many people roam around having conversations with others, and there are gatherings close by like a mall, library, and movie theaters.
Economic
The population of Leisure World and the surrounding areas in the zip code of 85206, is 32,701 people. Within the last fourteen years, the population has grown 11.59 percent (Sperlings Best Places, 2014). Out of those people, according to Sperlings Best Places, 5.1% are unemployed. This percentage is much lower in consideration to the previous years. The job growth rate is positive, and more people than any other year are getting jobs in this area. When comparing the cost of living to the rest of the country, the cost of living in this area is 1.5%. This is lower than the average cost of living in the United States (Sperlings Best Places, 2014). In addition, when looking at the average housing costs, the median housing average is $157,500.
Physical
As stated earlier, the West side of the street contained a lot of greenery, the trees shaded the entire area, and the landscape was very well maintenance. On the East side, there was hardly any trees, none providing shade to the sidewalks. In addition to the physical appearance, the area is entirely accessible to all people, even those with disabilities. The sidewalks provide ramps, the business areas provide multiple entrances, and is free from any other physical barriers. As one drives around the neighborhood, the signs are printed in the English language. This could be a barrier to the people of this area because some of the population speaks Spanish. The physical aspect of this community is diverse, but in an overall well maintained area.
Environmental
The next determinant of health category is environmental.

The RNAO states “World Health Organization data suggests that environmental factors account for 24 per cent of the world’s burden of disease and 23 per cent of all deaths” (2012). Environmental determinants of health is mainly centered on whether not the area has clean air and water. This is because air and water are used in every person’s daily life, and if these are contaminated, the health of these persons can be compromised. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the records dating back from 2005 show that the water is safe for all persons, with no pollutants causing illnesses or diseases (Air System Facilities, 2015). In addition, the agency tested the water to see if it had any abnormal microbial levels. In the area there were no disinfectants or pollutants compromising the water. To further determine the environmental determinants, the air was also researched. Today, on September 11, 2015 the UV index was considered to be very high. The agency states “Protection against sun damage is needed” (UV Index, 2015). Since the UV index ranked to be in the very high category, people in this area need to take caution and were sun screen if outdoors. It is recommended that people stay in cool, air conditioned facilities between 1 pm and 4 pm. To continue, the AFS showed that there are no facilities producing air emissions (Air System Facilities, 2015). When there are no facilities producing air

emissions, this means that the air is clean and no pollution is being sent out into the community’s air.
In conclusion, after analyzing and further research into this community, one can see how the many different determinants affect one’s health. It is important for community nurses to understand what the circumstances of the area are and what they can do to help. Educated nurses are important in the community, without proper education, a nurse could hinder a community instead of help.