Health Practices of Homeless Women

Homeless women and female-headed families represent the fastest growing subgroups of homeless individuals. To expand the body of knowledge and provide further insight into the complex area of homelessness and health, health practices of homeless women were investigated using a cross-sectional, descriptive, and non-experimental design using Pender's Health Promotion Model as the theoretical framework. Homeless women (N=137) were recruited from five shelters in northeastern Indiana. Homeless women in this study were found to be highly educated, mostly unemployed, and primarily single. A greater number of African Americans than represented in the local population were found to be shelter residents. Health care access and effective utilization of services were evidenced in the sample. Homeless women were noted to practice health-promoting behaviors in all areas but scored the lowest on physical activity. Negative health behaviors related to tobacco use was widespread. Significant findings reflected women's personal strengths and resources in the areas of spiritual growth and interpersonal relations.

Name thesis:degree_name

PhD

Level thesis:degree_level

Immediate Access

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Nursing

Year dc:date.available

2003

Author dc:creator

• Wilson, Margaret Chaney

Contributors dc:contributor

• L. Kathleen Sekula
• Jacquelyn Feller
• Rick Zoucha

• health promotion
• homeless
• women

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dsc.duq.edu/etd/1371

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dsc.duq.edu:etd-2387