Understanding Health Needs and Perspectives of Middle-Aged and Older Women Experiencing Homelessness

Overview

Journal Public Health Nurs

Date 2015 Apr 3

PMID 25832775

Citations 9

Authors

Benissa E Salem

Jennifer Ma-Pham

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objectives: Middle-aged and older homeless women have unique health and social service delivery needs; yet, limited research has been conducted in this area. The purpose of this study was to assess perspectives among prefrail and frail, middle-aged and older homeless women.

Design And Sample: Focus group methodology was conducted to assess perspectives among these homeless women (N=20) aged 43 to 62.

Measures: Sociodemographic and frailty characteristics were assessed by structured instruments, along with mobility, assistive device use and falls.

Results: The average age was 53.4; the majority of the sample was African-American (70%). In total, 60% reported living in a shelter for the last 30 days, while 20% were unsheltered. The majority of the sample reported walking independently (80%) and not using an assistive device (65%). Over one third (35%) fell in the last 30 days and 70% fell in the last year. Content analysis revealed several themes that included (1) health care needs and challenges experienced; (2) perspectives on sexual decision making; (3) employment difficulties; (4) existing support systems; and (5) development of future program planning.

Conclusions: Future research development and implications are discussed.

Citing Articles

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"Just a knife wound this week, nothing too painful": An ethnographic exploration of how primary care patients experiencing homelessness view their own health and healthcare.

Ingram C, Buggy C, MacNamara I, Perrotta C PLoS One. 2024; 19(7):e0299761.

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"Life Starts for Me Again." The Social Impact of Psychology on Programs for Homeless People: Solidarity Networks for the Effectiveness of Interventions.

Matulic-Domadzic V, Munte-Pascual A, De Vicente-Zueras I, Leon-Jimenez S Front Psychol. 2020; 10:3069.

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Barriers to Pap Smear Among Homeless Women at Albuquerque Healthcare for the Homeless.

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