Discussion Prompt Select and describe the key characteristics of one vulnerable population from your practice or locale and discuss why this population is considered vulnerable. Include one or two health practices and beliefs of the chosen population that increase the vulnerability of the population. Describe how you, in an advanced nursing role, could be an advocate for this vulnerable population at the local, state or national level.
Vulnerable Populations – The Homeless
Generally, a vulnerable population refers to a group of individuals who are considered disadvantaged compared to the rest of the population. The vulnerable groups may include children, pregnant women, those of low socioeconomic status, people without homes, and members of the LGBTQ. For this assignment, the vulnerable group of discussion will be the homeless people living in shelters. Homelessness has been and is still an issue in my state, California, and there have been movements and campaigns to end homelessness. Homeless people are considered vulnerable because they risk adverse health outcomes compared to the general population. Compared to the rest of the population, the homeless have insufficient finances for housing and even medical services. Furthermore, they also lack the finances to access healthy foods, which is a risk factor for several diseases, such as obesity and cardiovascular diseases, among others.
The homeless tend to indulge in certain health practices that make them more vulnerable. For instance, most adolescents in homeless families indulge in drug abuse, which puts them at risk of mental health disorders such as schizophrenia and substance use disorder (Moore, Astor & Benbenishty, 2019). Other drugs and alcohol may pose even worse effects on physical health. The other issue is overcrowding, which is a risk factor for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis. According to Liu, Chai & Watt (2020), people experiencing homelessness are at a higher risk of getting communicable diseases than the dominant population. As a result, primary healthcare interventions are key to avert the risks.
As healthcare providers, we must advocate for policies that ensure the health and safety of the homeless. As an advanced care nurse, I would advocate for the provision of shelter to all individuals, including those of low socioeconomic status. House is a basic need that all individuals deserve regardless of their ethnicity, race, or financial status. Locally, I would advocate for health equity for everyone. Each individual deserves access to health, including mental health services. Given the risks to mental health among the homeless, providing them with free mental health services would be crucial.
References
Liu, C. Y., Chai, S. J., & Watt, J. P. (2020). Communicable disease among people experiencing homelessness in California. Epidemiology & Infection, 148. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0950268820000722
Moore, H., Astor, R. A., & Benbenishty, R. (2019). Substance use off and on school grounds: A California statewide comparison between different groups of homeless students and nonhomeless students. Addictive behaviors, 92, 141-147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.12.006