Scholarly - Hypertension in Homeless

Hypertension in the Homeless Population Abstract

Hypertension is a prevalent health challenge that significantly affects the homeless population. This capstone project aims to clarify the relationship between homelessness and elevated blood pressure, steering the conversation beyond individual health behaviors to include broader social influences. The objective is to dissect the intersection of social determinants of health (SDOH) and hypertension among the homeless to inform effective intervention strategies. The project adopts a mixed-methods approach, employing both quantitative and qualitative research tools to paint a comprehensive picture of the hypertensive landscape within this vulnerable group. The rationale for selecting hypertension within the homeless population is rooted in the evident health disparities accentuated by the lack of stable housing. Factors such as inadequate access to healthcare, nutritional deficiencies, and the psychological toll of homelessness exacerbate the risk and severity of hypertension (Hatef et al., 2021). The design incorporates cross-sectional surveys to quantify the prevalence of hypertension and in-depth interviews to unravel the personal and systemic barriers faced by this demographic. Anticipated results point towards a high incidence of hypertension, influenced by a complex array of SDOH, including economic instability, educational gaps, and suboptimal healthcare access (Foster et al., 2021). The project expects to conclude that multifaceted, tailored healthcare interventions are necessary to address the unique challenges faced by homeless individuals. The findings advocate for policy reforms and the implementation of targeted healthcare services, such as mobile clinics and shelter-based health programs. This capstone project has the potential to significantly impact clinical practice settings, highlighting the necessity for healthcare systems to adapt to the needs of the homeless. By integrating the insights garnered from this study, healthcare professionals can develop more empathetic and effective care models, thereby contributing to the reduction of health inequities and promoting better health outcomes for the homeless.

References

Foster A. A. Daly C. J. Logan T. Logan R. Jarvis H. Croce J. Jalal Z. Trygstad T. Bowers D. Clark B. Moore S. & Jacobs D. M. (2021). Addressing social determinants of health in community pharmacy: innovative opportunities and practice models.  Journal of the American Pharmacists Association: Japha e48–e54.