...Vulnerable Populations University of Phoenix Health Assessment and Promotion for Vulnerable Populations 440 Carol Bafaloukos July 04, 2012 Vulnerable Populations Vulnerable populations are populations that are at risk of acquiring diseases because of their economic status, comorbidities, religious preferences, ethnicity, age and gender. They have little or no support system or service to provide them with help Current efforts to cut down on Medicare, Medicaid and other federal funded programs will make it difficult for our vulnerable population to obtain needed healthcare. It is estimated that 1.56 million people in the United States have been homeless at one point or another. Homeless population is susceptible to poor health and living on the streets with no running water and poor living conditions makes this population at higher risk for communicable diseases. To help the homeless population we need to look at what barriers this vulnerable population may have to prevent them from seeking medical care. Barriers The barriers that the homeless population may have preventing them from seeking help or services are many. It’s a constant struggle for the homeless to find a safe place or shelter to sleep in and food. The homeless are not concerned with their health when their primary instinct is to stay alive. This population tends to put his or her own health needs on the back burner, leaving his or her illness or injuries untreated, which could lead to further complications...
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...Vulnerable Populations Jennifer Maas NUR/440 August 11, 2011 Marie Fagan MN, RN Vulnerable Populations Vulnerable populations are social groups who experience health disparities as a result of a lack of resources and risk factors. In this paper the vulnerable group of the homeless will be discussed. The homeless population has many barriers that make obtaining healthcare a challenge. This paper will discuss the barriers and personal experiences with this demographic group. Vulnerable Population Definition Vulnerability and vulnerable populations are significant issues in today's health care system. Vulnerable populations are social groups who experience health disparities as a result of a lack of resources and increased exposure to risk. Vulnerable populations are those who are made vulnerable by their financial circumstances or place of residence, health, age, personal characteristics, functional or developmental status, mental or physical status (Goliath on Demand, 2011). The homeless is one of the many vulnerable population groups and is a very problematic issue currently. Barriers of the Homeless There are many barriers of the homeless however the one that stands out is the lack of access to health care. Many of the homeless live on the streets in dirty, filthy conditions which put them are risk for illness. They do not have the finical means or insurance to access preventive or acute care if...
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...Epidemiology, Tuberculosis, and the Homeless Population Rebecca J Buck NUR 408 July 29, 2013 Felita Patterson Epidemiology, Tuberculosis, and the Homeless Population Among many misconceptions, tuberculosis is not a disease of the past. Tuberculosis remains a public health issue. It is estimated that one-third of the total world population is infected by tuberculosis (TB). The American lung association (2013) states, in 2011 alone there were nearly 9,000,000 new diagnosed cases of tuberculosis around the world and an estimated 1.4 million deaths because of this disease. In the United States, TB is not as common (but still a problem). In 2011, only 10,500 people reported having TB (Trends in Tuberculosis Morbidity and Mortality). Research shows that there are many preceding factors that predispose a person and increase the risk of contracting TB. Epidemiologists have studied and determined that many of these preceding factors are evident in vulnerable populations around the world, particularly the homeless population. The science Daily (2013) reports that “one in five homeless people with tuberculosis die within a year of their diagnosis” (Death Rate from Tuberculosis in Homeless Alarmingly High). In addition to the high death rate for TB among homeless people, public health officials also recognize a growing threat of drug resistant strains within these vulnerable populations. Theses drug resistant strains of tuberculosis require longer, more consistent treatments...
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...Epidemiology and Vulnerable Population NUR/408 January 14, 2013 Theresa White Epidemiology and Vulnerable Population This paper will define epidemiology and vulnerable population. The methods and steps involved in the epidemiology process will be discussed. The diseases of a specific vulnerable population and emphasis of one disease will be examined with cultural, ethical, and legal considerations. The epidemiology triangle is explained and evaluating the feasibility of prevention will be explored with definitive steps for prevention. Epidemiology and Vulnerable Population Stanhope and Lancaster (2012) states “epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related events in human populations and the application of this knowledge to improving the health of communities (p. 282). In many communities there populations at risk for to specific health care problems creating a vulnerable population. “Vulnerability is a general concept meaning “susceptibility,” and its specific connotation in terms of health care is at risk for health problems” (De Chesney, 2008, p. 3). As Stanhope and Lancaster (2012) identify “epidemiology is a multidisciplinary enterprise that recognizes the complex interrelationships of factors that influence disease and health at both the individual level and the community level; it provides the basic tools for the study of health and disease in communities” (p. 282). In every community there are vulnerable populations as this...
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...very aware of my biases toward the homeless. I am a first generation Filipino-American. My parents immigrated to the United States in order to create a new and prosperous life for them and for their family. Hard work and perseverance have been two values that have been instilled in my psyche since I was a child. I was always taught that family is the number one priority and you would do anything to make sure that the family thrives. If this meant you had to work three jobs, then it was your duty to yourself and your family to work those three jobs. I may seem insensitive for feeling little sympathy for the homeless community but every time I see a seemingly able bodied individual ask for change or hold up a sign begging for money I remember my exhausted father come home from the fields. He would be covered from head to toe in dirt and mud but he was still proud that he is able to provide for his family. The thoughts of my mother working call for a months at a time so my father could take one day off rush to the front of my conscience. If my parents who are not even from this country can do it, why can’t the guy holding up the sign do it? Hopefully I am able to figure why he can’t. The homeless is a population in our society that is often overlooked. For whatever reason a person becomes homeless he or she is still a person and deserves the same basic resources that any individual in today’s society is entitled. Many of the homeless population are reluctant to seek and receive...
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...Vulnerable Populations: The Homeless JLG BSHS302 April 7, 2012 KT Vulnerable Populations: The Homeless The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 25(1) states: “Everyone has the right to… food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services” (Donohoe, 2004). Although it is everyone’s right to have access to those necessities, it is not always the case for many, who for whatever reasons, have no means to afford them. Here in the United States, the current unemployment situation as well as record foreclosures has forced many people to become homeless. “The term homelessness refers to the condition of individuals without a regular dwelling and that term is used to describe people who do not have a home and whom sleep on the street but it is also commonly used to refer to individuals whose primary night-time residence is a homeless shelter, a warming center or another ad hoc type of housing” (NPACH, 2011). The homeless face many problems in day-to-day living and this paper will focus on this group as a vulnerable population will discuss the history of the homeless, the nature of homelessness as a social problem, what issues they experience, their demographic, their common clinical issues, intervention strategies used for this particular group, and finally, what interventions are planned for the future. History of the Homeless Population For years, homelessness has been an ongoing problem in countries around...
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...Epidemiology and Vulnerable Populations Angela Wilson NUR / 408 November 4, 2013 Epidemiology and Vulnerable Populations Introduction Health is a state of optimum well-being, a human right and a social goal. The public health mission is to provide and assure conditions that promote health in the community. Public health, epidemiology and nursing practice share the same goal of disease prevention and control. By definition, epidemiology is the study of population in order to monitor the health of the population, understand the determinants of health and disease in the community, and investigate and evaluate interventions to prevent disease and maintain health. (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2012). Epidemiology today is considered to be the core science of public health and is described as a constellation of disciplines with a common mission: optimal health for the whole community (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2008). Epidemiology has reformed public health and continues to strive for disease prevention and health promotion in communities across the world. The population and disease...
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...Vulnerable Populations Complete the following assignment of the total 100 points for this module and submit this in Blackboard assignments. You will need to utilize the following chapters (31-38) in the Stanhope and Lancaster book to assist you with this assignment. Name: Trevalla Eggleston__________________ Date: _04/11/2013__________________ I. Complete the following activities which will count for a total of 50 points 1. Complete the following table. (Type your answers into the table.) (10 points /.5 each) |Vulnerable Population |Common Health Problems |Identify Health Strategies to improve health | |Poor and Homeless |HIV/AIDS; substance abuse;depression;COPD;Musculoskeleral|Preventative services related to homelessness | | |problems; malnutrition; tuberculosis; mental/psychiatric |include providing adequate housing, education | | |illness |on proper dieting, shelter, and free or | | | |affordable health care. | |Pregnant Adolescents |Low pregnancy birth rates; sexual transmitted infections |Provide services for adolescents that are | | | |pregnant. Provide...
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...Vulnerable Populations BSHS/301 October 29, 2013 Vulnerable Populations Introduction Have you ever looked at a panhandler on a street corner and thought to yourself “get a job” or “druggie.” If you have, you are not alone. There is a negative stigma surrounding the homeless is hard pressed to be changed. Each year between 2 to 3 million people in the United States experience a period of homelessness (Families with Children & Homelessness, 2013). There are many reasons for one to become homeless and there are many different people who through unpreventable circumstances find themselves losing their grip on the very foundation of their lives. This can a be a terrifying time and may eventually lead to mental illnesses such as depression and substance abuse as a means to cope with losing all one has known. To fully understand this vulnerable population one needs to know the history, the root causes of homelessness, social issues, the different demographics, and intervention strategies (Martin, 2007). History During the fourteenth century to the seventieth century the poor were taken care of by the church. During this time period the church and monasteries believed the poor to be blessed and it was a blessing to provide for them. The English Poor Laws throughout the Middle Ages added a negative stigma with the poor. The undeserving poor and the homeless were sent to almshouses or work camps were they were made to do demeaning work for long hours. This treatment stripped...
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...Vulnerable Populations BSHS/320 The United States of America is the place known to many as the land of the free, home of the brave, and the place to start a better life. With any place that has good qualities, some have not so good qualities. The homeless population in the United States is at a staggering high, and many individuals are suffering because many lack employment/financial resources, housing resources, support from family and friends, and others negligence; such as natural disasters or fires. Homeless individuals may have no other choice than to live on the streets, trains, and alley ways to name a few places where homeless people seek shelter. The history of homelessness, social problems, demographics, common clinical issues, and intervention/future interventions will be explored to determinate how homelessness is caused and how it can diminish with time. Homelessness has been around for some time and is increasing with time. Homelessness was noticed soon after the Great Depression, which caused many people to lose his or hers home. “During the Great Depression in the 1930, many families were no longer able to afford their homes and It is thought that over two million people were homeless at this time and suffered severely from hunger and extreme poverty” (American History Of Homelessness, 2011). The Great Depression was an era of life where the stock market crashed and many where out of jobs and many lost their home. “The Great Depression began in October 1929...
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...Vulnerable Populations BSHS/320 The United States of America is the place known to many as the land of the free, home of the brave, and the place to start a better life. With any place that has good qualities, some have not so good qualities. The homeless population in the United States is at a staggering high, and many individuals are suffering because many lack employment/financial resources, housing resources, support from family and friends, and others negligence; such as natural disasters or fires. Homeless individuals may have no other choice than to live on the streets, trains, and alley ways to name a few places where homeless people seek shelter. The history of homelessness, social problems, demographics, common clinical issues, and intervention/future interventions will be explored to determinate how homelessness is caused and how it can diminish with time. Homelessness has been around for some time and is increasing with time. Homelessness was noticed soon after the Great Depression, which caused many people to lose his or hers home. “During the Great Depression in the 1930, many families were no longer able to afford their homes and It is thought that over two million people were homeless at this time and suffered severely from hunger and extreme poverty” (American History Of Homelessness, 2011). The Great Depression was an era of life where the stock market crashed and many where out of jobs and many lost their home. “The Great Depression began in October 1929...
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...Homeless Veterans in America Name Institution Part 1 Statistics show that there are between 130,000 and 200,000 homeless veterans in America. Homeless veterans amount to about one-fourth and one-fifth of the entire homeless population in America. Homeless veterans are a population of Americans who have at one time or the other served their country in war. An estimated 131,000 veterans spend a night homeless, and this population doubles if one considers the population of homeless veterans over the course of the year. An approximate of 40% homeless men are veterans that are a significant considering 34% of the general adult male population is composed of veterans. Besides being homeless, this population faces other problems which include; social, economic, and psychological problems (Alker, 2009). Homeless veterans are more likely to suffer addiction as compared to the general population. According to Alker (2009), 76% of homeless veterans are alcohol or drug addicts. Because of the painful memories and the new reality of homelessness that dawn on them they turn to alcohol and drugs. Coupled with all the problems these homeless veterans experience social problems such as isolation. For this reason, they have no one to share their pains with and, therefore, they rarely receive help for treatable conditions such as addiction (Center for American Progress, 2008). Economic stressors are a root cause of homelessness for American veterans. The skills acquired from their military...
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...Windshield Survey Summary and Reflection Valerie Kwiecien Healthy Communities: Theory and Practice Nur 405 Karen Harriman March 18, 2013 Windshield Survey Summary and Reflection Define Community Community is defined as an organization of individuals whom live in a geographical area that has boundaries. These individuals may share the same culture and values. The individuals are arranged in a social structure as related to relationships, which the community has developed over a length of time. Common beliefs are shared and by doing this the members of the community acquire their own personal and identity within the society. The beliefs and values that have been developed by the community previously may be modified in the future (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2012). Define Community Health Community health is defined as an ongoing series of changes that promote health (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2012). The changes occur within the community between the nurse and the community. Community health has three components. The status of the community, the structure, and the process of the community. The status of the community includes morbidity and mortality rates as well as risk factor profiles. The structure of community health is the services and resources within the community. The process of community health looks at how the communities solve problems. Define Community as a Client The community as a client is defined as a situation...
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...Depression in the Homeless Population According to the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), one in four Americans will experience mental illness in their lifetime in any given year (NAMI, 2014). Approximately 6.7 percent, around 14.8 million people suffer from major depressive disorder. NAMI (2013) found that sixty percent of adults suffering from mental illness did not receive any mental health services in the previous year. Mental health illness is a serious financial drain on the American health care system, with NAMI (2013) reporting around 200 billion dollars in lost revenue per year. Mood disorders such as depression can cause frequent hospitalizations; it is the third most common cause of hospitalization in the United States for both youth and adults (NAMI, 2013). The American Psychological Association (APA) found that the rates of mental illness among the homeless population were twice that of the general population (APA, 2014). Disparity Nyamathi & Marfisee (2012), identified factors in the homeless population that makes them susceptible to health care disparities such as age, homeless status, and lack of education. Johnson & Chamberlain (2011) found that while mental health issues are prevalent among the homeless population, it does not always precede homelessness. However those suffering from mental health illnesses experienced more long-term homelessness compared to those who did not. Wright (2014) found that 54% of homeless patients reported negative attitudes...
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...Vulnerable Populations Shanna HCA430 Margaret McGannon November 26th, 2012 It would seem that if asked, majority of the world has heard the term “hobo”. Most would find this word as a person who lives in a shelter or under an overpass and begs for handouts. What most who do not know is that there are a long list of reasons why this person is standing there begging for handouts and a tattered clothes, unshaven beard, an unseen smell that comes from them. Homeless people have existed throughout history of the United States. However, more recently, it would seem that the numbers have risen since the economy is not doing so well. Within this paper, the model population homeless person will be discussed along with statistical information in Georgia, service outcome goals, pinball program to teach the goals that include to community organizations, internalized cost estimate of healthcare dollars saved by this program, and to potential funding sources that may potentially provide monetary sponsorship. According to the declaration of human rights, article 25 (1), states that “everyone has the right to… food, clothing, housing, and medical care and necessary social services” (Donohoe, 2004). Although, it states right there that it is every person’s right to have access to these necessities, this is not always the case for many who for whatever reason, do not have the means to afford them. The current downturn of the economy next with current unemployment situation has...
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