Vulnerable Populations

what are Vulnerable populations

Group of individual who are at incresaed risk for health problems and health disparities due to social, economic, envoirmnetal or structural disadvantages

what are some examples od vunerable populations

• Income and education

• Access to primary health care services

• Age

• Gender and sexual orientation

• Social, cultural, and linguistic needs

• Race and ethnicity

• Chronic illness or disability

• Alcohol or substance misuse

• Homelessness

• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

• Veteran status

• Migrant status

• Rural residency

What are Social determanets of health/Non-medical drivers of health

the conditions in the place where people live, learn, work, and play that affect a wide range of health risks and outcomes. "

• 5 domains: Income(economic stability), education, Healthcare access and quality, neighborhood environment, and social/community context (discrimination) directly affect health outcomes.

• Disparities in these areas are often upstream causes of health inequities.

what are some structural barriers

Lack of transportation, limited health system navigation, stigma, and reduced resources deepen vulnerability.

What are historical and system inequalities

Racism, structural discrimination, and policy decisions historically marginalize certain pop.

What are some ethical concersn involved in the syphilis study at tuskegee

• Withholding effective treatment

• Lack of informed consent

• Violated respect for persons, beneficence and justice

What is the 1st reason for bankruptcy in the US

Medical debt

What is the Federal poverty level

a government-set income guideline used to determine who qualifies for assistance programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and subsidies, based on household size and income.

Who are incarcerated individuals

People who are incarcerated experience significant health inequities due to structural, social, and policy-driven barriers that exist before, during, and after incarceration.

what are some health factors that contribute to vunerability in inarcerated indivuals

• High prevalence of chronic illness, mental health disorders, and substance use disorders

• Increased risk of infectious diseases (e.g., HIV, hepatitis, TB)

• Disrupted continuity of care during intake, transfers, and release

What are some Non-medical driver of health for incarerated individuals

• Economic stability: Poverty, unemployment, and loss of income during incarceration

• Education access: Lower educational attainment; limited access to health literacy resources

• Social & community context: Family separation, stigma, loss of social support

• Housing instability: High risk of homelessness after release

• Access to care: Gaps in insurance coverage and primary care post-release

What is Recidivism and key drivers in it

Return to incarceration or re-involvement with the criminal justice system after release from jail or prison.

• Economic instability: Limited employment opportunities; criminal records restrict hiring

• Housing insecurity: High risk of homelessness after release

• Health care gaps: Loss of insurance; interrupted treatment for mental health and substance use disorders

• Social & community context: Stigma, weak social supports, family disruption

• Education & literacy: Limited access to education and reentry resources

What is Health professional shortage area

a geographic area or population that has too few health care providers, making it hard for people to access medical, dental, or mental health services.

What is a medically underserved area/population

a community or group of people that lacks adequate access to primary health care services, often due to shortages of providers, high poverty, or other barriers.

why are old adult more likely to be vunlreable

• Higher prevalence of chronic conditions (e.g., heart disease, diabetes)

• Increased risk of polypharmacy and adverse drug events

• Sensory and cognitive changes affecting safety and self-management

Higher rates of:

• Emergency department use

• Hospital readmissions

• Preventable injuries (e.g., falls)

• Delayed care due to access barriers

• Increased caregiver burden and healthcare system strain

What are some non-medical drivers of helath for older adults

• Economic stability: Fixed or limited income; rising housing and medication costs

• Transportation: Reduced ability to drive; limited public transit access

• Social isolation: Loss of spouse, friends, or social roles

• Housing & environment: Unsafe housing, fall risks, lack of age-friendly design

• Digital divide: Limited access to or comfort with technology for healthcare access

What is Chronic homelessness

being constanlty homeless

What is episodic homelessness

Every now and then/ couach surfer

What are the 4 categories of Homlessness (HUD)

1.Literally Homeless - lacks fixed, regular, adequate nighttime residence

2.Imminent Risk of Homelessness - individual or family who will lose primary

nighttime residence

3.Homeless Under Other Federal Statutes - unaccompanied youth under 25 -

persistent instability

4.Fleeing/Attempting to Flee Domestic Violence - individual or family fleeing DV

What does literlly homeless

• Living in places not meant for human habitation

  • (e.g., streets, vehicles, encampments)

• Staying in emergency shelters or transitional housing

• Temporarily living in hotels or motels paid for by emergency programs

What is the Mckinney-Vento act

• Primary piece of federal legislation related to the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness.

• Ensuring children and youth have access to free, appropriate public education, guaranteeing immediate enrollment, transportation, and support

• Mandates that schools remove obstacles to identification, enrollment, stability, and success for homeless students

What is the Annual Point- in- time(PIT) count

mandated one night census of sheltered and unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness