Running head: VULNERABLE POPULATIONS

Vulnerable Populations
Lisa Snider
Ferris State University

VULNERABLE POPULATIONS
Vulnerable Populations
There are many factors that can cause certain populations to be vulnerable or
underserved. An underserved population is defined as a subgroup of the population
that has a higher risk of developing health problems because of greater exposure to
health risk because of marginalization in sociocultural status, access to economic
resources, age, or gender, (Harkness & DeMarco, 2012, p. 334). Vulnerability can be
caused by lack of access to healthcare, economic hardship, and cultural or social
barriers. One underserved population at a great risk in this country is the homeless
population.
Initially when I think of the homeless population I realize some biases that arise.

When I think of homeless individuals I care for in the clinical setting I think of alcoholics,
drug abusers, criminals, and disrespectful individuals. I picture the stereotypical image
of the gruff old man with greasy long hair, unruly facial hair, filthy skin and nails, dirty
and worn clothing and an aroma that will burn the nostrils. Although I know that this
attitude is completely wrong, unprofessional, and judgmental I have to actively push
these thoughts out of my mind. Society has created such a negative stigma regarding
homeless individuals that it is affecting healthcare delivery and impacting millions of
homeless individuals across the nation.
Homelessness affects male and female individuals of many different cultures,
races, and backgrounds with the majority being male. Some factors that contributed to
the large populations of homeless individuals are the deinstitutionalization of mentally ill
individuals in the 1960s, domestic violence, natural disasters, unemployment, injury and
disability, abandonment, wars, substance abuse, and immigration, (Harkness &

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DeMarco, 2012). Many homeless individuals are struggling with multiple factors such as
mental illness, unemployment, and substance abuse. The more risk factors the
individual possesses the more likely they are to heave unmet health needs, (Shi &
Stevens, 2005). Homeless individuals that have extreme economic hardship and no
insurance often delay medical treatment until they are in a state of emergency.
The homeless population depends upon assistance from the community to meet
their needs. Without shelters and warming/cooling stations many states would lose the
vast majority of their homeless population to the elements because they have nowhere
else to go. They also depend on community resources like soup kitchens or church
programs to provide nutrition, as they cannot afford to purchase food. Dehydration
affects a great deal of the homeless population both on an acute and chronic basis,
causing adverse effects and even mortality, (Maughan, 2012). A study showed that 87%
of the homeless individuals studied occupy an organization that provides free meals
four or more times per week, (Stennet, Weissenborn, Fisher, & cook 2011). Homeless
individuals have facilities they can go to for free shelter, food, and warmth, but there are
very few places they can go to for free medical attention.
Along with the economic factor, many homeless individuals also delay or refuse
medical care due to the extreme disrespect and prejudice they face in healthcare
facilities. A large portion of healthcare workers, like myself have biases about the
homeless population and often times treat them differently then other in the medical
setting. After reading research, testimonials, and journals I have come to a better
understanding of their suffering. In reflection I have gained a more open-minded, nonjudgmental approach when dealing with homeless individuals. I have realized how my

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attitude and actions in the healthcare field can lead to adverse affects in the lives of
homeless individuals and the community as a whole.
The homeless population is very vulnerable and underserved and requires a
great deal of assistance to improve their health. If all individuals in the healthcare setting
received formal training and education on how to care for homeless individuals great
strides could be taken towards improvement. If medical personnel better understood
homelessness many biases would be resolved which would lead to better care of
homeless individuals. When healthcare workers are able to focus on the needs of the
homeless they can direct them towards resources available, create a less hostile
environment for them to receive care, and ultimately decrease healthcare costs for the
nation, while improve the health of the community.

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Reference
Harkness, G.A., & DeMarco, R.F., (2012). Community and public health nursing:
Evidence for practice. Philadeophia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Maughan, R.J., (2012). Hydration, morbidity, and mortality in vulnerable populations.
Nutrition Reviews, 70(2), 152-155. doi: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2012.00531.x
Shi, L., & Stevens, G.D., (2005). Vulnerability and unmet health care needs. General
Internal Medicine, 20(2), 148-154. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1497.2005.40136.x
Stennett, C.R., Weissenborn, M.R., Fisher, G.D., & Cook, R.L. (2012). Identifying an
effective way to communicate with homeless populations. Public Health, 126(1),
54-56.