ABSTRACT
In the last decade, the number of women in US jails has increased at an annual average of 7.0%. These women typically suffer from untreated, serious health problems. This participatory research project explored health problems and healthcare from the perspective of women incarcerated in a county detention facility located in the western US. A convenience sample of 78 inmates and former inmates participated in 10 focus groups. Using the constant comparative method, the data analysis revealed that they suffered from physical, mental, and iatrogenic health problems. Barriers to care included concerns about privacy and dignity as well as waiting time for treatment, co-payments, and concealing problems in order to obtain work opportunities. Women in the project identified solutions for these problems and analyzed why incarceration made them aware of previously ignored health concerns. The findings suggest the importance of further research with this vulnerable, hidden population.
Subject(s)
Health Services Accessibility/organization & administration , Health Services Needs and Demand/organization & administration , Prisoners/statistics & numerical data , Vulnerable Populations/statistics & numerical data , Women's Health , Adult , Female , Focus Groups , Humans , Middle Aged , Narration , Prisoners/psychology , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/prevention & control , Social Support , Substance-Related Disorders/prevention & control , Surveys and Questionnaires , United States/epidemiology , Vulnerable Populations/psychologyABSTRACT
When health professionals, including RNs, have negative attitudes toward women experiencing homelessness, they create barriers to services. It is incumbent on nursing faculty to develop curricula that address homelessness and associated stereotypes, as well as to prepare students to provide safe and appropriate care to the homeless population. The aim of this qualitative study was to examine the attitudes of RN-to-MSN students toward mothers living with their children in a transitional shelter. A convenience sample of 10 students enrolled in a community health nursing course at a university in southern California participated in the study. Two focus groups were conducted: one before and one after a 15-week clinical experience. Data analysis revealed that during the clinical experience, students discovered that they, or perhaps an individual like them, could become homeless. Their attitudes and views changed to include a bigger picture of homelessness, described by public health nursing researchers as "moving upstream." This article suggests strategies for integrating clinical experiences with socioeconomically vulnerable individuals into undergraduate nursing curricula.