NR 586 Week 2 Concept Map- Homelessness
Student Name
Chamberlain University
NR-586: Population Health and Epidemiology for Advanced Nursing Practice
Prof. Name
Date
Vulnerable Population: Homeless Individuals
Homeless individuals represent one of the most marginalized and at-risk groups in society. Their vulnerability stems from the absence of permanent housing, unstable financial conditions, and inadequate access to healthcare services. This population is disproportionately exposed to harsh living environments, chronic stress, and systemic barriers that negatively impact their physical and mental health. Additionally, many experience trauma, unemployment, and social discrimination, all of which heighten their risk of poor health and hinder their ability to achieve stability.
Variables That Place the Population at Risk
Homelessness results from a combination of economic, environmental, and psychosocial challenges. These interconnected variables intensify the cycle of poverty and health disparities for affected individuals.
Risk Variables Among Homeless Individuals
NR 586 Week 2 Concept Map- Homelessness
| Risk Variables | Description |
|---|---|
| Extreme poverty & lack of affordable housing | Limited financial resources and high housing costs prevent access to safe, stable housing. |
| Increased housing costs | Rising rental prices further restrict shelter options for low-income individuals. |
| Low wages or job instability | Employment opportunities are often temporary, low-paying, or unavailable. |
| Increased medical expenses | High healthcare costs cause untreated or delayed medical care. |
| Substance abuse & mental illness | Frequently co-occurring, exacerbating vulnerability and contributing to stigma. |
| Trauma & stress | Both past trauma and current hardships increase psychological distress. |
| Self-medication | Drugs or alcohol are often used as coping mechanisms, worsening health outcomes. |
| Unemployment | Joblessness reduces economic independence and housing security. |
| Discrimination | Negative stereotypes limit access to resources and opportunities. |
| Transportation barriers | Restricted mobility impedes access to healthcare, food, and employment. |
| Physical or cognitive disabilities | Disabilities reduce self-sufficiency and make daily functioning challenging. |
These risk factors collectively create barriers that perpetuate cycles of disadvantage, making it increasingly difficult for homeless individuals to recover stability and reintegrate into society.
Health Risks or Disparities
The lack of safe shelter, nutritious food, and preventive healthcare exposes homeless individuals to numerous health disparities. They are more likely to experience acute and chronic medical conditions compared to the general population.
Common Health Risks Among Homeless Individuals
| Health Risks/Disparities | Description |
|---|---|
| Infectious diseases & chronic conditions | Higher incidence of tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. |
| Respiratory infections | Prolonged exposure to cold, damp conditions and crowded shelters causes bronchitis and pneumonia. |
| Skin conditions & injuries | Poor hygiene and unsafe environments lead to infections, wounds, and infestations. |
| Malnutrition | Inadequate access to healthy meals results in compromised immunity and fatigue. |
| Dental issues | Lack of oral healthcare causes chronic pain, tooth loss, and secondary infections. |
| Mental health challenges | Depression, PTSD, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts are prevalent. |
| Barriers to mental health services | Stigma, financial costs, and accessibility challenges delay or prevent treatment. |
These disparities emphasize the urgent need for holistic, community-based interventions that address both immediate healthcare needs and long-term preventive care.
Prioritization of Needs
Homeless individuals often prioritize short-term survival needs such as food, shelter, and safety over preventive healthcare or long-term wellness. This survival-focused mindset leads to delays in seeking medical treatment, allowing minor health problems to progress into more severe conditions. The cycle of neglect and emergency care perpetuates poor health outcomes and increases healthcare costs at both personal and societal levels.
Lack of Support and Resources
Social support plays a critical role in maintaining well-being, yet homeless individuals frequently lack reliable family or community networks. The absence of supportive systems leaves them isolated, with limited avenues for assistance. Barriers in government programs, fragmented healthcare systems, and insufficient affordable housing initiatives further exacerbate these challenges. Addressing these gaps requires a collaborative response that integrates public health systems, policymakers, and nonprofit organizations to create sustainable solutions for housing, healthcare access, and employment opportunities.
References
Baggett, T. P., Keyes, H., Sporn, N., & Gaeta, J. M. (2020). Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in residents of a large homeless shelter in Boston. JAMA, 323(21), 2191–2192. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2020.6887
Fazel, S., Geddes, J. R., & Kushel, M. (2014). The health of homeless people in high-income countries: Descriptive epidemiology, health consequences, and clinical and policy recommendations. The Lancet, 384(9953), 1529–1540. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(14)61132-6
National Health Care for the Homeless Council. (2021). Homelessness & health: What’s the connection? https://nhchc.org/
NR 586 Week 2 Concept Map- Homelessness
Tsai, J., & Wilson, M. (2020). COVID-19: A potential public health problem for homeless populations. The Lancet Public Health, 5(4), e186–e187. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-2667(20)30053-0=