HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF HOMELESS WOMEN WITH CHILDREN LIVING IN HONOLULU

Abstract

Homeless individuals often experience significant physical, psychological, and social health problems associated with experiencing high level of social determinants of health deficits. This particularly vulnerable population requires specialized health care tailored to their needs. This study aimed to address a gap in the literature regarding self-reported health care needs and barriers to care experienced by homeless women with children. A mixed study using individual open-format and closed-format interview questions was conducted involving homeless women (n = 20) with children living in Honolulu, Hawaii. Qualitative data analysis revealed five main themes related to health care: 1) self-remedy; 2) personal criteria for pivoting to professional health care; 3) connection; 4) barriers to care; and surviving conditions of homelessness. Findings emphasize the gap between perceived and evaluated health care needs of homeless women with children and the strategies these women use to manage the disparity. This study provides a sketch of how the practice of these strategies may bridge the gap experienced by homeless individuals between self-perceived illness symptoms and illness symptoms evaluated and treated by a care provider. This mixed methods study addressed a gap in the literature and allowed a better understanding of the health, health care needs, barriers to health care, and health services use patterns of sheltered homeless women with children living in the City and County of Honolulu (Honolulu), on the Island of Oahʻu, Hawaiʻi. Therefore, it encourages health care providers to be more aware and inclusive of self-remedies in treatment plans as well as to regularly solicit information about patient’s self-remedy practices, to ensure safety. The findings are expected to be beneficial in efforts to improve tailoring health care approaches to the needs and health outcomes of homeless women with children.