The community diagnosis concept--a theoretical framework for prevention in the health sector.

Basically the concept of community diagnosis deals with a process having distinct levels: I descriptive, II analytical and III action programs. The first level, description, in Sweden contains four dimensions: a community profile, a health risk profile, a health profile and a health service profile. The analytical level delves into organizational capabilities. A guiding principle for this level stresses the importance of community involvement. Action (Level III) is based on lay people's further involvement with the control and responsibility of health programs. The first two levels of information form the basis for the community diagnosis process which is then followed by community health action.