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

• Mention of a relevant video resource for additional context: Youth Homelessness Video.

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

• If You Want to Help Me, Prescribe Me Money by Gary Bloch.