Abstract
Introduction
In underserved communities, where access to care and social services may be limited, understanding health services needs by household composition is critical for designing targeted interventions to address the needs for these communities. This study examined household composition as a driver of community health needs among residents of South Norfolk, Virginia and the surrounding areas.
Methods
A cross-sectional community health survey was conducted between September 2025 and January 2026. Graduate students from Old Dominion University conducted the data collection. Descriptive statistics and Chi-Square were used for the analysis.
Results
Households included households with older adults only (41%), with adults only (26.1%), with children and adults (19.1%), intergenerational households (12.2%), and households with older adults and children (1.6%). Overall, households with older adults show the greatest needs, reporting significantly higher rates of not eating balanced meals and skipping meals than other households (p 0.05). Among psychosocial outcomes, older adults reported the greatest social exclusion (p = 0.014) compared to other groups. Older adults reported greater needs including, dental care and physical therapy.
Conclusion
The results indicate that household composition is an important determinant of community health with older adults experiencing disproportionately higher levels of food insecurity and social exclusion, and health service needs. There is a need for community health policies that prioritize targeted strategies including, healthy nutrition assistance, initiatives for more connections, and age-friendly initiatives to improve the wellbeing of individuals in underserved communities, especially among older adults.