Assessment of community health needs in Makkah: A qualitative study

Abstract

Objectives: Assessing population health needs have been an important factor that enables healthcare systems to attain value-based care and use resources efficiently. This study aims to assess the health needs for two communities residing in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A qualitative study design with focus groups were conducted between January 2022 and March 2022 to assess health needs among two communities residing in two different districts in Makkah City (Alzaidy and Al-hajj Street). Recruited participants were divided into five groups according to their age (0-12 (parents represented this group); 13-24; 25-45; 46-65; and over 65 years), and each group had 5 to 9 participants. Results: Participants have identified several needs and concerns within their communities. These needs were classified into five main themes: Access to physical activity; access to healthcare services; healthy lifestyle; environmental instability; and education/promotion programs for community. Although, identified needs varied among age groups and geographic locations of communities, the needs to access healthcare services and physical activities was frequently mentioned among participants. Conclusion: This is the first study to assess community health needs in Makkah. Even though the results were not generalizable, the study has laid the foundation for future projects and research assessing population health needs. A population-level data might help in determining population health needs and inform future policies and decision-making.