Abstract

PURPOSE
S: Purposes of this study were to assess the needs of health education of residents and to determine the difference according to their general characteristics in a community.
METHOD
Subjects consisted of 599 residents who live in the vicinity of M Catholic University, S-dong, M city, Jeollanam-do. Data were collected by 6 research assistants, using a self-reported questionnaire from July 1, 2003 to July 31, 2003.
RESULTS
Subjects were mostly female (58.8%), 20-30 years old(45.2%), married (70.1%), high school graduates(42.1%), have an occupation(73.1%), have incomes less than 1,000,000 won(54.2%) and have a religion(59.8%), and the family type of the subjects was primarily nuclear(64.1%). The need for education about 'family health care management and medical examination' was the highest in 8 domains. The need for education about 'cancer' was the highest and 'family health care', 'stress and strategies', 'introduction of medical examination' and 'oral care' followed in 41 items. The differences in the needs of health education in all domains was found according to subjects' general characteristics.
CONCLUSION
Further research is needed to develop a health education program based on participants' needs and general characteristics.