Benissa E Salem1, Jennifer Ma-Pham2. 1. School of Nursing, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California. 2. Downtown Women's Center, Los Angeles, California.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Middle-aged and older homeless women have unique health and social service delivery needs; yet, limited research has been conducted in this area. The purpose of this study was to assess perspectives among prefrail and frail, middle-aged and older homeless women. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: Focus group methodology was conducted to assess perspectives among these homeless women (N=20) aged 43 to 62. MEASURES: Sociodemographic and frailty characteristics were assessed by structured instruments, along with mobility, assistive device use and falls. RESULTS: The average age was 53.4; the majority of the sample was African-American (70%). In total, 60% reported living in a shelter for the last 30 days, while 20% were unsheltered. The majority of the sample reported walking independently (80%) and not using an assistive device (65%). Over one third (35%) fell in the last 30 days and 70% fell in the last year. Content analysis revealed several themes that included (1) health care needs and challenges experienced; (2) perspectives on sexual decision making; (3) employment difficulties; (4) existing support systems; and (5) development of future program planning. CONCLUSIONS: Future research development and implications are discussed.
OBJECTIVES: Middle-aged and older homeless women have unique health and social service delivery needs; yet, limited research has been conducted in this area. The purpose of this study was to assess perspectives among prefrail and frail, middle-aged and older homeless women. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: Focus group methodology was conducted to assess perspectives among these homeless women (N=20) aged 43 to 62. MEASURES: Sociodemographic and frailty characteristics were assessed by structured instruments, along with mobility, assistive device use and falls. RESULTS: The average age was 53.4; the majority of the sample was African-American (70%). In total, 60% reported living in a shelter for the last 30 days, while 20% were unsheltered. The majority of the sample reported walking independently (80%) and not using an assistive device (65%). Over one third (35%) fell in the last 30 days and 70% fell in the last year. Content analysis revealed several themes that included (1) health care needs and challenges experienced; (2) perspectives on sexual decision making; (3) employment difficulties; (4) existing support systems; and (5) development of future program planning. CONCLUSIONS: Future research development and implications are discussed.
Authors: Angela L Hudson; Adeline Nyamathi; Barbara Greengold; Alexandra Slagle; Deborah Koniak-Griffin; Farinaz Khalilifard; Daniel Getzoff Journal: Nurs Res Date: 2010 May-Jun Impact factor: 2.381
Authors: Robbert J J Gobbens; Marcel A L M van Assen; Katrien G Luijkx; Maria Th Wijnen-Sponselee; Jos M G A Schols Journal: J Am Med Dir Assoc Date: 2010-05-08 Impact factor: 4.669
Authors: Benissa E Salem; Jennifer Ma-Pham; Stephanie Chen; Mary-Lynn Brecht; Anna Liza Antonio; Masha Ames Journal: Community Ment Health J Date: 2017-05-24