Community Health Screening

Bradon Crayton

Purdue Global University

NU 505: Clinical Epidemiology and Population Health Promotion

Dr. Jennifer Vandal

January 12, 2026

Community health screening is an excellent method for bringing together numerous

communities to address the growing needs of people with chronic health disorders. Diabetes

Mellitus is a chronic ailment that affects many people across the country, and the numbers are

increasing rapidly. The implementation of community events can provide knowledge, resources,

and assistance to many people who are affected by and face challenges.

Conceptual Model
The Health Belief Model emphasizes health education, preventative measures, and

health-related behaviors that urge people to avoid illness as main and secondary disease

prevention tactics. According to this paradigm, people's willingness to engage in disease

prevention acts is based on their conviction that they are at risk of a specific condition and that

the condition would have serious effects in their lives unless they take certain steps to lower their

susceptibility. Using the Health Belief Model for diabetes screening, educating individuals about

diabetes self-care practices entails increasing their understanding of their vulnerability, the

perceived seriousness of the condition, the potential benefits of preventive actions, and any

barriers they may face.

Implanting this strategy employs evidence-based scientific methodologies to increase the

possibility of diabetic patients engaging in more effective self-care. As one of the most common

noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), it affects more than 462 million people, or around 6.8% of

the global population. According to Iran's Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center's 2022

report, the national prevalence of diabetes is expected to be 14.2%, with women having a slightly

higher rate of 14.7% than men 13.5% (Karimi et al., 2025).

Population Screening
The goal of population screening is to address the major issue of heart illnesses, as it is

the leading cause of mortality in the United States and has a close association with diabetes

mellitus. One of the most prevalent risk factors for this ailment is excessive blood glucose levels,

which could decrease with controlled glucose levels. According to data from the Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention (2024), those with diabetes are twice as likely as those with

normal blood glucose levels to develop cardiovascular disease. Dietary options in the region

frequently lack healthier options for a variety of reasons, including cost and convenience,

exacerbating the issue. There is a widespread notion that diabetes is readily managed with

medicine and does not cause serious problems.

However, diabetes can have lifelong consequences that have a substantial impact on other

health issues and quality of life. As of December 2025, it is estimated that approximately 732,00

individuals are diagnosed and living with diabetes while approximately 164,000 are undiagnosed

in Arizona. Managing the condition requires a lifetime commitment to pharmaceutical,

nutritional, and exercise routines. Accessibility and adherence to drug therapy are critical

components for clinicians to help manage treatment. Social health determinations should

consider any financial restrictions, such as fixed incomes or a lack of health insurance, that

would create a delay or gap in care, resulting in uncontrolled glucose. Additionally, the high cost

of diabetes drugs makes them inaccessible for many patients. As a result, some people are unable

to follow suggested therapy, placing them at risk for additional complications.

Location

The Centers for Disease Control recommend that prediabetes and diabetes screening tests

be performed in a healthcare facility; the chosen place for this campaign is a community-based

event. The Phoenix, AZ-based Society of ST. Vincent De Paul offers a wide range of services,

including housing, meals, and education. The instructional services include visual aids such as

flyers and vendor displays that support current glucose management and, if not covered by

insurance, may include an assistance program to cover costs. Continuous glucose monitor

(CGMs) use is another tool that is presented in means of helping to manage glucose

measurement. According to a recent study by Cheng et al., 2025, in Washington state the average

HbA1c prior to CGM adoption was 8.3%, while the average HbA1c three and six months after

CGM implementation was 7.7%. There was a significant difference in the primary outcome of

change in HbA1c three months after CGM installation compared to baseline HbA1.

Therapeutically testing HbA1c quarterly provides a long-term picture of glucose levels

over the previous three months, which is influenced by factors such as proper food habits and

medication adherence. While the expense of performing the HbA1c test is higher, it eliminates

the need for fasting, which may not be viable for every client in a community setting.

Understanding therapeutic levels is essential for an individual's effectiveness in managing his or

her glucose levels. HbA1c levels between 5.7 and 6.4% indicate prediabetes, while levels greater

than 6.5% indicate diabetes (Davidson et al., 2021).

Screening Activity
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Community Health Screening

Organizing a community event with interactive booths that show various processes seen

daily when managing diabetes mellitus. To produce realistic simulations, these teach-back

methods will use real-world materials. Each booth would build on the preceding one, concluding

with the individuals measuring their glucose levels and discarding of supplies. The individual

will grasp the supplies required by a diabetic and how to effectively manage his or her blood

glucose levels. Managing glucose levels will lead to fewer acute exacerbations.

Cost

Item Cost Quality Total

One Touch (ten $22.58(Walmart Mesa) 60 $1,354.80

Hand Sanitizer $20.84 (Walmart Mesa) 1 (125 single $20.84

Sharps/disposal For disposal purposes Within the $0.00

Staff Volunteers/Nurses/Students 4 $0.00

Venue Cost Provided b facility Within facility $0.00

Supplies $150 $150(Gloves, $150.00

Attendance Cost Free to public Open to public $0.00

Total $1,525.64

(Walmart, 2026)
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Community Health Screening

Cost Analysis
Creating a breakdown can be used as a budget tool and presented to resources that may

help cover the cost of materials. Many insurance companies offer incentives not simply to help

pay the cost of supplies, but also to encourage individuals to take proactive steps to prevent acute

exacerbations. Many people are on fixed incomes, so every penny matters.

Conclusion

Ineffective diabetes management is a major contributor to the development of

cardiovascular disease. Many chronic long-term health concerns might occur, including

neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, amputations, renal failure, and cardiovascular problems. The

growing number of people being diagnosed each day has a significant impact on healthcare

utilization. To tackle this, screening activities should be prioritized across various settings to

prevent the disease at both the primary and secondary levels. Implementing community-based

screening programs can give extra resources, hence increase compliance rates and lower chronic

problems.
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Community Health Screening

References

Cheng, K. K., Vera Cruz, M. F., Tylee, T. S., & Kelly, M. S. (2025). Evaluation of

the Effectiveness of Continuous Glucose Monitors on Glycemic Control

in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Receiving Institutional Financial

Assistance. Journal of diabetes science and technology,

19322968251320122. Advance online publication.

[Link]

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024a, May 15). Diabetes and

your heart. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

[Link]

[Link]

Davidson, K. W., Barry, M. J., Mangione, C. M., Cabana, M., Caughey, A. B.,

Davis, E. M., Donahue, K. E., Doubeni, C. A., Krist, A. H., Kubik, M., Li,

L., Ogedegbe, G., Owens, D. K., Pbert, L., Silverstein, M., Stevermer, J.,

Tseng, C.-W., & Wong, J. B. (2021). Screening for Prediabetes and Type

2 Diabetes. JAMA, 326(8), 736.

[Link]

Karimi, M., Asadipour, M., Bakhtiar, M., Asadollahi, A., & Ardakani, M. S. Z.

(2025). Effect of a health belief model-based intervention on oral self-

care and quality of life in adults with type 2 diabetes: a quasi-

experimental study. Scientific reports, 15(1), 32247.

[Link]

Walmart. Diabetic Supplies. (2026, January 12).

[Link]

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