Jt,,.. Demographic Variables The analysis of the community's demographlc characteristi cs should show the size, composition and geograph ical distribution of the population as indicated by the following ; 1. Total population and geographical distributi on including urban-rura l index and population density 2. Age and sex composition 3. Household size 4. Selected,. ;tal indicators such as growth rate, crude birtl1 rate, cn1de death rate and life expectancy at birth 5. Patterns of migration 6. Popu Jation projections Jt is also important to know whether there are population groups tl1at need special attention such as indigenous people, internal refugees and oilier socinlly dislocated groups as a consequence of disasters, calamities and development programs. B. Socio-Economic and Cultural Variables There are no limits as to the list of socio-economic and cultural factors that may directly or indirectly affect the health status of the community. However, the nurse should consider the following as essential information: 1. Social indicators a. Educational level whichmaybe indicative ofpovertyandmayreflect on health perception and utilization pattern of the community b. Housing conditions which may suggest health hazards ( congestion, fire, exposure to elements) c. Social classes or groupings 2. Economic indicato rs a. Poverty level income b. Unemployment and underemployment rates c. Proportion of salaried and wage earners to total economica lly active population d. Types of industry present in the community e. Occupation common in the commun ity f. Communica tion network (whether formal or infotmal channels) necessary for disseminating health information or facilitating referral of clients to the health care system g. Transportation system including road networks necessary for accessibility of the people to health care delivery system 3. Environmental indicators a. Physical/geographlcal/topographlcal characteristics of the community land areas that contribute to vector problems terrain characteristics that contribute to accidents or pose as geohazard zones · land usage in industry climate/season b. Water supply % population with access to safe, adequate water supply source of water supply c. Waste disposal % population served by daily garbage collection system % population v. ~th safe excreta disposal system 153 