Class 8_VulnerablePopulations_cvv_Studentv2025.pptx (1)

WORKING WITH VULNERABLE POPULATIONS

  • N3000 CLASS 8

DEFINE VULNERABLE POPULATIONS

  • Vulnerable populations are specific, at-risk groups more susceptible to poor health due to socio-environmental factors.

  • They endure a larger “burden” of illness and distress compared to other groups.

  • Defined as: groups and communities at a higher risk for poor health due to barriers in social, economic, political, and environmental resources (MacDonald & Jakubec, 2022, pg. 352).

HEALTH DISPARITY, INEQUALITY, INEQUITY

  • Health disparities: Wide variations in health services and health status among populations defined by specific characteristics (MacDonald & Jakubec, 2022, pg. 352).

  • Health inequalities: Uneven distribution of health outcomes or resources, highlighting structural and social determinants of health (MacDonald & Jakubec, 2022, pg. 352).

  • Health inequities: Unfair and avoidable differences in health status within and between people/countries (MacDonald & Jakubec, 2022, pg. 353).

VULNERABILITY CAN RESULT IN…

  • Cumulative risks linked to:

    • Poor living conditions

    • Diet

    • Health status

    • Crime and violence

  • Increased prevalence of multiple illnesses.

  • Impact on resiliency.

EXAMPLES OF VULNERABLE GROUPS

  • Individuals living in poverty.

  • The homeless population.

  • Victims of violence.

  • Individuals living with mental illness or substance abuse.

  • Children and youth in disadvantaged conditions.

  • Indigenous populations.

  • Persons with disabilities.

  • The 2SLGBTQI+ community.

VULNERABLE TERMINOLOGY

  • Terms used often interchangeably: vulnerable, targeted, disadvantaged, hard to reach, priority.

  • Examples: person with disabilities, high-risk groups.

POVERTY

  • Defined as insufficient financial resources to meet basic living expenses: food, shelter, clothing, transportation, medical expenses.

  • Effects of constant deprivation lead to a feeling of being trapped, with life centered around survival.

  • Poverty is recognized as the most powerful determinant of health.

  • Types of poverty: absolute, relative, and subjective poverty.

SOCIAL STRATIFICATION OF HEALTH

  • People at the top live longer and in better health than those in middle and bottom tiers.

  • Middle tier has poorer health and shorter lifespan than top tier.

  • Bottom tier individuals are twice as likely to suffer from serious illnesses and premature death than those at the top.

INCOME SUPPORT PROGRAM (NL)

  • 2022-23: 7.2% of the population was on caseload.

  • A decline in caseloads since 1996-97 (14.4%).

CASELOAD PROFILE

  • 20,500 cases representing 29,000 beneficiaries.

  • Majority are unattached singles (76%); next, single parents (17%).

  • Equal split between female and male recipients.

  • Most beneficiaries are aged 50-59 years (20%).

  • Average benefits received: $13,644 for families; $9,048 for singles.

HOMELESSNESS

Risk Factors

  • Key categories of homelessness:

    1. Absolute homelessness: Sleeping outdoors, visible.

    2. Sheltered homelessness: Using emergency shelter.

    3. Hidden homelessness: Transient or episodic.

Effects on Health

  • Risks include:

    • Targets of violence.

    • Rates of mental illness.

    • Substance abuse issues.

    • Higher incidence of communicable diseases (e.g., TB, HIV/AIDS).

    • Poor chronic disease management.

    • Unplanned pregnancies.

    • Skin and foot problems.

    • High costs of crisis management versus prevention.

YOUTH HOMELESSNESS

CONTINUUM OF HOUSING SUPPORTS

  • Types of housing support include:

    • Emergency/Safe Houses.

    • Shelters and transitional housing.

    • Supportive housing options.

    • Housing subsidies.

    • Affordable and accessible housing.

    • Housing-first model initiatives.

COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSE (CHN) ROLE

  • Responsibilities include:

    • Identify risk factors and precursors.

    • Anticipate individual health effects.

    • Knowledge of resources to assist the homeless.

    • Aid access to health services.

    • Collaborate with communities to build capacity to tackle health inequalities.

    • Advocate for healthy public policies regarding homelessness.

VIOLENCE

  • Defined as non-accidental acts resulting in physical or psychological harm.

Types of Violence

  • Physical: Seen frequently in domestic settings.

  • Psychological/Emotional: Includes intimidation and control.

  • Sexual: Involves assault and harassment.

  • Financial: Often targets seniors.

  • Verbal: Involves criticism and name-calling.

  • Spiritual: Utilizes religious influence or power abusively.

VIOLENCE AGAINST INDIVIDUALS AND SELF

Bullying

  • Various forms include physical, verbal, social, and cyber bullying.

Domestic Violence

  • Affects various groups: children, women, men, LGBTQ+ individuals, older adults.

  • Includes honour-related violence.

Children and Youth in Disadvantaged Conditions

  • Vulnerability due to maltreatment, categorized into:

    • Physical

    • Sexual

    • Emotional abuse

    • Neglect

  • Mandatory reporting laws for suspected child abuse exist.

WARNING SIGNS FOR ABUSIVE PARENTS

  • Signs include:

    • Denial of pregnancy reality.

    • Family stress and crises.

    • Drug or alcohol misuse.

    • Contradictory history regarding the child.

WARNING SIGNS FOR CHILD ABUSE

  • Indicators that may suggest abuse:

    • Unexplained injuries or malnourishment.

    • Inappropriate clothing for weather.

    • Excessive fear of caregivers.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

  • Identification of high-risk groups is essential for program development:

    • Adolescents.

    • Older adults.

    • Injection drug users.

    • Pregnant drug users.

Harm Reduction Model

  • Focuses on reducing harm without necessitating complete cessation of drug use.

  • Discussion of a supportive video resource: Harm Reduction.

VULNERABLE CLIENTS AND THE NURSING PROCESS

  • CHNs must demonstrate:

    • Strong assessment skills.

    • Up-to-date knowledge of resources.

    • Ability to plan care based on client concerns.

PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING CARE

  • Strategies include creating a trustworthy environment and focusing on respect, compassion, and non-assumptive attitudes.

  • Importance of coordinating services and advocating for accessible healthcare.

  • Prevention focus and resource knowledge are crucial.

WORKING WITH VULNERABLE CLIENTS: CHN ROLES

  • Key roles include:

    • Case finder, educator, counselor, direct-care provider.

    • Population health advocate, program planner, system navigator.

    • Community developer and evaluator of care.

THE CHN AND PRIMARY PREVENTION

  • Preventive measures include:

    • Affordable housing programs.

    • Job training initiatives.

    • Preventive healthcare services.

THE CHN AND SECONDARY PREVENTION

  • Focus on reducing prevalence and early diagnosis:

    • Supportive housing and meal programs.

    • Emergency housing solutions.

THE CHN AND TERTIARY PREVENTION

  • Aimed at restoring function and quality of life:

    • Psychosocial rehabilitation programs and advocacy for vulnerable populations.

TEDx TALKS

robot