Name
Chamberlain University
NR-586: Population Health and Epidemiology for Advanced Nursing Practice
Prof. Name
Date
Homeless individuals are considered one of the most vulnerable groups due to their exposure to multiple social, economic, and health-related challenges. The absence of stable housing, limited financial resources, and restricted access to healthcare make them highly susceptible to adverse health outcomes. Many of these individuals also face discrimination, unemployment, and trauma throughout their lives, which further intensifies their vulnerability.
Multiple interrelated factors contribute to the risks faced by homeless individuals. These include economic instability, inadequate housing, and psychosocial stressors. The table below highlights these risk variables:
| Risk Variables | Description |
|---|---|
| Extreme poverty & lack of affordable housing | Financial hardship and high rent make it difficult to secure stable housing. |
| Increased housing costs | Rising housing prices limit options for safe shelter. |
| Low wages or job instability | Limited employment opportunities or unstable jobs result in insufficient income. |
| Increased medical expenses | High healthcare costs lead to untreated medical conditions. |
| Substance abuse & mental illness | Often co-occurring, leading to increased vulnerability and stigma. |
| Trauma & stress | Past and ongoing trauma contribute to psychological distress. |
| Self-medication | Use of drugs or alcohol to cope with mental health struggles. |
| Unemployment | Lack of job opportunities reduces self-sufficiency. |
| Discrimination | Bias against homeless individuals worsens access to resources. |
| Transportation barriers | Limited mobility reduces healthcare access and job opportunities. |
| Physical or cognitive disabilities | Disabilities increase dependency and limit employability. |
These variables collectively create a cycle of disadvantage, making it difficult for homeless individuals to regain stability.
The homeless population experiences significant health disparities due to poor living conditions, lack of preventive care, and limited access to nutritious food. The following table summarizes common health risks:
| Health Risks/Disparities | Description |
|---|---|
| Infectious diseases & chronic conditions | Higher prevalence of tuberculosis, HIV, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. |
| Respiratory infections | Exposure to harsh weather and crowded shelters leads to pneumonia and bronchitis. |
| Skin conditions & injuries | Poor hygiene and unsafe environments increase risk of wounds, infections, and infestations. |
| Malnutrition | Limited access to nutritious food results in weakened immunity and poor health. |
| Dental issues | Lack of dental care contributes to chronic pain and infections. |
| Mental health challenges | High rates of depression, PTSD, suicidal ideation, and hopelessness. |
| Barriers to mental health services | Stigma, cost, and accessibility issues prevent timely treatment. |
These disparities highlight the importance of integrated health interventions that address both physical and psychological needs.
Homeless individuals often struggle to balance immediate survival needs, such as food and shelter, with long-term healthcare requirements. Many prioritize temporary relief over preventive measures, resulting in delayed or untreated health conditions. This prioritization contributes to a continuous cycle of poor health outcomes.
The absence of strong social support systems leaves homeless individuals at greater risk of isolation and hopelessness. Without family, community support, or effective government intervention, they face overwhelming challenges in accessing healthcare, housing, and employment opportunities. Addressing these gaps requires a coordinated effort between public health systems, policymakers, and community organizations.
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/
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
