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 constitute one of the most marginalized and vulnerable populations in society. Their vulnerability arises from the absence of permanent housing, unstable income, and limited access to healthcare. They often endure harsh environmental conditions, chronic stress, and systemic barriers that adversely affect both physical and mental well-being. Many also experience trauma, unemployment, and social discrimination, which further intensify their health risks and hinder stability.

Variables That Place the Population at Risk

Homelessness is the result of intertwined economic, environmental, and psychosocial challenges. These interrelated variables create a cycle of poverty and health disparities that are difficult to break.

Risk Variables Among Homeless Individuals

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 result in untreated or delayed medical care.
Substance abuse & mental illness	Frequently co-occurring, increasing vulnerability and social stigma.
Trauma & stress	Past trauma and current hardships elevate psychological distress.
Self-medication	Drugs or alcohol are 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 hinder self-sufficiency and daily functioning.

These interconnected factors reinforce a cycle of disadvantage, making it difficult for homeless individuals to regain stability or reintegrate into society.

Health Risks or Disparities

Homeless individuals face a wide range of health risks due to inadequate shelter, poor nutrition, and limited access to preventive healthcare. Compared to the general population, they experience a higher prevalence of acute and chronic medical conditions.

Common Health Risks Among Homeless Individuals

Health Risks/Disparities	Description
Infectious diseases & chronic conditions	Increased incidence of tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.
Respiratory infections	Exposure to cold, damp conditions and crowded shelters contributes to bronchitis and pneumonia.
Skin conditions & injuries	Poor hygiene and unsafe environments lead to infections, wounds, and infestations.
Malnutrition	Inadequate access to nutritious food weakens immunity and causes fatigue.
Dental issues	Lack of oral healthcare results in tooth loss, pain, and infections.
Mental health challenges	High prevalence of depression, PTSD, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
Barriers to mental health services	Stigma, financial limitations, and accessibility issues delay or prevent treatment.

These health disparities underscore the urgent need for community-based interventions that address both immediate healthcare needs and long-term prevention.

Prioritization of Needs

Homeless individuals often prioritize immediate survival—such as food, shelter, and safety—over preventive healthcare or long-term wellness. This survival-driven mindset delays medical treatment, allowing minor health issues to develop into serious conditions. Consequently, the reliance on emergency care perpetuates poor health outcomes and increases healthcare costs at individual and societal levels.

Lack of Support and Resources

Social support systems play an essential role in maintaining health and well-being. However, homeless individuals frequently lack stable family or community support networks, leaving them isolated and with few avenues for assistance. Barriers within government programs, fragmented healthcare systems, and insufficient affordable housing exacerbate their challenges. Addressing these issues requires coordinated efforts among public health agencies, 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

NR 586 Week 2 Concept Map- Homelessness

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