Methods
Central Oregon Health Council (COHC) collected qualitative data to inform the regional health assessment by holding focus groups, panel discussions, and walk-along interviews throughout the region. The information gained provided a multi-dimensional understanding of community strengths, gaps, how the built environment impacts health, and forces of change affecting the region. COHC developed research questions and identified prioritized populations to meet with across the region. The focus group tool consisted of seven questions to capture information to inform their research goals. COHC conducted qualitative interviews throughout four months (June-September 2023).
Participants
One hundred nineteen people participated in the 13 focus groups, 51 participated in the two panel discussions, and 35 participated in the four walk-along interview groupings. Seventeen of these data collection efforts were conducted in English, 21 in Spanish, and one in a mix of English and Spanish to suit the needs of the participants. COHC did not collect demographic information about the participants. Data was collected from six locations across Central Oregon: Bend, Madras, Metolius, Northern Klamath County, Prineville, and Redmond. Two of the focus groups were conducted with participants from Central Oregon generally.
