In a windshield survey, which of the following is typically assessed?

• A. The community's physical environment, resources, and social conditions
• B. Individual genetic risk profiles
• C. Laboratory values from residents
• D. Health insurance claims data

Answer: (A)

A windshield survey is a rapid, observational scan of a community conducted from the street to capture factors that influence health at the population level. It centers on what you can see about the built environment and daily life: housing quality, street conditions, safety, access to resources like groceries, parks, clinics, schools, transportation, and how people interact in the neighborhood. This approach provides a snapshot of environmental determinants of health that help planners identify needs and opportunities for intervention without collecting individual medical data.

Personal genetic risk profiles require genetic testing and are not observable through a street-level survey. Laboratory values come from clinical testing of individuals and aren’t something you observe from the environment. Health insurance claims data are administrative records that reflect services billed and aren’t seen in a visual survey of the community. The windshield approach purposefully focuses on the community’s physical environment, resources, and social conditions to inform public health assessments.