A community can be understood in two main ways: (i) as a group of individuals sharing a common problem or interest, fostering a sense of belonging and interaction; (ii) as a physical and social environment established within a specific geographical area. The former emphasizes the communal aspect, encompassing families, schools, workplaces, and other groups where individuals recognize each other and engage in interactions. The latter focuses on the community’s spatial extension, such as neighborhoods or municipalities, which shape the physical and social environment impacting one’s health and social dynamics.

Communities serve as platforms for political action and social engagement, addressing collective issues that individuals cannot resolve alone. When regarding communities as objects of care, communal and community characteristics are often considered. This holistic approach requires comprehensive efforts to support various aspects of the community, including organizations, interpersonal relationships, cultural practices, and values.

S. L. Shamansky et al. proposed a framework comprising three key aspects for understanding communities: identifying the target individuals or stakeholders, determining the location and timing of the phenomenon, and understanding the community’s function and dynamics.

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