Health Behaviors of Homeless Women- Using a Cross-sectional Descriptive and Non Experimental Design

Homeless women and female-headed families represent the fastest growingsubgroups of homeless individuals. To expand the body of knowledge andprovide further insight into the complex area of homelessness and healthhealth practices of sheltered homeless women were investigated using across-sectional descriptive and non-experimental design using Pender'sHealth Promotion Model as the theoretical framework. Homeless women inthis study were found to be highly educated mostly unemployed andprimarily single. A greater number of African Americans than represented inthe local population were found to be shelter residents. Significant findingsreflected women's personal strengths. Homeless women were noted topractice health-promoting behaviors in all areas but scored the lowest onphysical activity; negative health behaviors related to tobacco use waswidespread. Health care access and effective utilization of services wereevidenced in the sample. This book is addressed to those who provideservices to homeless women including shelters clinics nurses outreach workersand social workers.