Award Date

1-1-1998

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Department

Nursing

First Committee Member

Susan Kowalski

Number of Pages

112

Abstract

Identification of health needs of sheltered homeless women is a vital step in assisting this vulnerable population to productive members of society. The purpose of the study was to determine the health care needs of sheltered homeless women in LasVegas. Few studies have been done focusing on the health needs of sheltered homeless women. Dorthea Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory of Nursing provided the theoretical framework for this descriptive study. In order to identify health needs, fifty women participated in structured interviews where both objective and subjective data were collected. Frequencies were calculated in order to describe the population and identify similarities. Data indicated that this group of sheltered homeless women were mostly Caucasian (60%), single (32%) or divorced (32%), and had at least a high school education (77.6%). Ages ranged from eighteen to sixty-eight years. Sixty percent rated their health as excellent or good. Dental problems (64%) ranked as the most common problem among the sample. The women also experienced sinus problems (56%), depression (42%), back problems (40%), and insomnia (40%). Additional findings based on Spearman's rho correlations are helpful in describing positive relationships among health problems and health ranKing In addition, a significant relationship was identified between the number of positive risk factors and health ranKing Results are applicable in nursing practice to enable health practitioners and program planners to target sub-populations for needed services.

Keywords

Care; Health; Homeless; Needs; Sheltered; Women

Controlled Subject

Public health; Public policy; Women's studies

File Format

pdf

File Size

2846.72 KB

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

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