Homelessness and Health Risks

• Describe the elements on the Concept Map and include the following.
  1. Provide a succinct description of the vulnerable population identified.
  2. Discuss a minimum of three variables that place the population at risk.
  3. Describe the identified health risk(s) or disparity the population is at risk of experiencing.
  4. Explain how the Concept Map portrays the relationships between each element presented.
  5. Provide an in-text citation from one scholarly source to support your writing.
• Intervention Proposal

  Homeless individuals lack stable housing, often living in shelters, temporary housing, or on the streets. This population faces numerous barriers to healthcare, leading to poor health outcomes and increased mortality rates (Kushel, 2020).

  Variables Placing the Population at Risk

  1. Limited Healthcare Access – Many homeless individuals are uninsured, have difficulty navigating healthcare systems, and may experience discrimination in medical settings.
  2. Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders – High rates of untreated mental illness and substance use disorders contribute to chronic homelessness and poor health.
  3. Food Insecurity and Malnutrition – Lack of consistent access to nutritious food exacerbates chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

  Health Risks and Disparities

  Homeless individuals are at an increased risk of chronic diseases (e.g., hypertension, diabetes), infectious diseases (e.g., tuberculosis, HIV), and mental health conditions. They also have higher rates of premature mortality due to untreated medical conditions and exposure to environmental hazards (Hwang et al., 2020).

  Concept Map Relationships

  The Concept Map visually connects risk factors, health disparities, and intervention strategies. It shows how limited healthcare access leads to untreated chronic illnesses, how mental health issues contribute to substance use disorders, and how food insecurity worsens nutritional deficiencies. These elements interconnect, emphasizing the need for holistic intervention approaches.

  Intervention Proposal

  A comprehensive intervention should include:

  • Housing-first initiatives to provide stable shelter as a foundation for healthcare access.
  • Integrated healthcare services, including mental health and substance use treatment.
  • Community-based food programs to address nutrition and food insecurity.

  A multidisciplinary approach involving social workers, medical professionals, and policymakers is essential for sustainable solutions to homelessness and its associated health risks.APA