Introduction
The Southern Baptist Church in Tampa, Florida, was the aggregate being examined in this study. This aggregate was chosen because of its large population and the dynamics of its existence (Tampa, FL Economic Statistics, 2020). Apart from surveying driving through the neighborhood and gathering data through observation, interviews were also conducted (Tasnim et al., 2022). Due to time constraints, three aggregate members were chosen, and the data collected is explained below.
Environmental Assessment
Occupational Health History
Tampa is home to several businesses; thus, the workforce in Tampa is high. It is, therefore, vital to know the occupational history of the city and how it affects people’s health, especially the aggregate chosen. According to statistics, about 34% of the population is employed (Tampa, FL Economic Statistics, 2020). This leads to the overall well-being of the residents as they can maintain healthy lifestyles and, if need be, afford healthcare (Tampa, FL Economic Statistics, 2020).
Additionally, the working environment of the workers, as described by the interviewees, is healthy. Companies are keen to ensure that the working conditions regarding physical and psychological well-being and health are favorable. This, therefore, shows that the occupational health history of Tampa, Florida, is averagely good.
Environmental Health
Tampa is a coastal city and thus is near the ocean. According to the responses from the interviewees, one of the significant environmental histories was the town’s coastal vulnerability (Tasnim et al., 2022). This vulnerability involves the risk of storm surges causing flooding (Tasnim et al., 2022). Though not frequent, the interviewees responded that floods cause severe damages, such as property loss and negative impacts on human health.
Additionally, water quality in the city was a concern to the aggregate. Like any other urban area, Tampa faces challenges with water, such as pollution from agricultural and urban sources, stormwater runoff, and wastewater discharge, which can significantly impact water quality in estuaries and Tampa Bay, a vital ecological and economic resource for the region.
The air quality in the city was also a significant finding. The interviewees pointed out that the air quality is low due to the presence of industries that emit harmful air. This phenomenon causes a risk to the health of the people in Tampa. Natural resource management is another factor in environmental health history. It is essential to the residents that natural resources such as fresh water and forests are well managed to ensure a good ecosystem.
Home
The family history reflects the home history. As discussed above, most family dynamics, such as the neighborhood, the community resources available, and even the health, are well above average (Williams &Cousin, 2021). Therefore, the home environment was also found to be a healthy one for the family members. The type of family in a home was mostly found to be nuclear, meaning the father was the head of the family.
Family Assessment
Using the Friedman model for assessment, the following was concluded from the interviews: first is the structure; families had a nuclear model. The family consisted of an average of four members (Williams &Cousin, 2021). This is to show that people are good at planning their families. Under the developmental stage and family history, most families have an average socioeconomic background. The ethnic and cultural heritage is diverse as Tampa is a diverse city.
The environmental data of the families showed that they lived in decent neighborhoods, although security was an issue for some. The areas were close to community resources such as retail shops, thus making life easier for the residents. Under the family functions, the interviewers showed mastery in problem-solving skills; thus, the family adopts the same, which also applies to the family dynamics (Williams &Cousin, 2021). The overall health of families was estimated to be reasonable based on the available data from the interview.
Risks Identified
From the above discussion of data collected during the interview, one of the most significant risks identified is the impact of the city’s proximity to the ocean. The locals in that area are at high risk of flood storms, which lead to loss of property, lowered quality of health, and loss of life (Tasnim et al., 2022). Additionally, health risks are identified due to air pollution. However, emergency and emergency medical services are available to counter these risks.
Description of Results from the Assessment
Environment, Home, and Family
The environment was assessed through observation and interviews. Data from both sources were then combined and assessed to find conclusions. Like the homes, observation during the drive through the city and interviews were used. The Friedman model of assessing a family was used for the family to ensure all areas were covered (Susanto et al., 2018).
The results show that the three areas highlighted are at an average level. For instance, a family may be in a good neighborhood with an average socioeconomic status and good overall health and well-being. These statistics, hence, place the highlighted factors at an average.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Community
Strengths
One of the strengths of Tampa, Florida, is its warm tropical climate and coastal fisheries, which attracts many people who enjoy outdoor activities, hence tourists, thus boosting the community’s economic status (Nehemiah et al., 2022). In alignment, the tourist market in Tampa is vibrant, with popular attractions such as the Florida Aquarium. The cultural diversity in that community is also a strength as it allows for richness in the city’s culture, food, festivals, and economic activities. It also allows people from different ethnicities and races to unite and do great things.
Weaknesses
Tampa’s greatest weakness is its vulnerability to natural disasters due to its proximity to the ocean. These disasters include hurricanes, thunderstorms, and flooding (Tasnim et al., 2022). As discussed above, these disasters can cause horrendous damage to the residents and their properties. Another weakness is the heat and humidity. It may be advantageous, but the heat can be uncomfortable for some people, especially during the hot summer months.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Aggregate
Strengths
One of the Southern Baptist Church in Tampa’s strengths is its strong communism. Communism brings a sense of belonging and thus provides a support system for its members. The church also holds to traditional theological beliefs, including a high view of scripture and conservative theology, thus promoting harmony (Williams &Cousin, 2021). It also provides opportunities for its members to grow wholly, thus improving their quality of life.
Weaknesses
As in other large groups, controversies and internal conflicts are common. These conflicts can be related to issues such as leadership. These challenges hinder the development of the group (Williams & Cousin, 2021). They also need help relating to the diverse culture, thus making it hard to be inclusive of everyone. They also face criticism related to stances on social and cultural issues such as LGBTQ+, which can deter their reputation. The health risks identified in the area for the aggregates are the risk of respiratory diseases, physical injuries, and gastrointestinal diseases due to contaminated water.
Conclusion
Every community and its groups have manageable challenges and strengths for the greater good. All the factors pertaining to having a good quality of life have to be looked into to ensure everyone is living in good conditions. The strengths need to be used to their advantage, and the challenges should be solved. This way, the community at large will have a better environment.
References
Tampa, FL Economic Statistics. (2020). Infoplease.com. Web.
Nehemiah, S., Chagaris, D., Barbieri, L., & Allen, M. (2022). Environmental factors and stock abundance influence year-class strength seatrout at cedar key, Florida. Marine and Coastal Fishers, 14(2), e10201. Web.
Susanto, T., Arisandi, D., Kumakura, R., & Oda, A. (2018). Development and testing of the family structure and family functions scale for parents providing adolescent reproductive health based on the Friedman family assessment model. Journal of Nursing Measurement, 26(2), 217-236. Web.
Tasnim, L., Landry, S., Alsharif, K., & Eduful, M. (2022). Changing demographics and the environmental equity of coastal floodplain in Tampa, Florida. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 79, 103186. Web.
Williams, L. &Cousin, L. (2021). “A charge to keep I have”: Black pastor’s perceptions of their influence on health behaviors and outcomes in their churches and communities. Journal of Religion and Health, 60, 1069–1082. Web.