Typology of local health departments based on maternal and child health core functions.

A survey of Missouri local health departments (LHDs) was conducted to measure core public health functions within maternal and child health (MCH). Measurement was based on a prior key informant study that defined each core function as a set of specific MCH activities, programs, and services. The 59 items in the survey operationalized these activities and enabled the creation of summary scores for assessment, policy development, and assurance. Participation included 93 of the 112 Missouri LHDs (83%) in 1995. Reliability coefficients for the summary scores ranged from .83 to .92. Cluster analysis produced six types of LHDs with differing core function patterns. By matching efforts to improve core function practice to LHD type, more efficient use of capacity building resources may result.