DEI/Health Equity
1
Date of Presentation
5-2-2024 12:00 AM
College
Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
Poster Abstract
This study explores the interrelations of hypertension, homelessness, and access to healthcare in urban ill-housed populations. It was found that conditions such as heart disease and diabetes significantly exacerbate hypertension, which remains highly prevalent due to the population's limited access to consistent medical care. Homelessness further complicates the management of hypertension due to unstable living conditions, making adherence to treatment and follow-up with healthcare providers challenging. Additionally, factors like higher rates of substance abuse and malnutrition among homeless populations contribute to worsening hypertension, which, if untreated, can lead to severe health crises including heart attacks and strokes.
The research underscores the critical public health implications of hypertension within these communities, emphasizing the role of social determinants of health in exacerbating health disparities. The study suggests that interventions such as improved housing, accessible healthcare services, and nutrition support are crucial. It also calls for policymakers to allocate resources strategically to address these disparities and support the health and well-being of homeless populations.
Our findings reveal a stark connection between a lack of basic needs, as framed by Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, and poor health outcomes, particularly in managing chronic conditions like hypertension. This study not only highlights the health inequities faced by ill-housed individuals but also outlines the next steps for public health measures and policy adjustments aimed at reducing these disparities and improving overall community health.
Keywords
Ill-Housed Persons, Hypertension, Homelessness, Urban ill-housed populations, Urban Population, Public Health, Health Services Accessibility, Access to Health Care, Hypertension, Health Status
Disciplines
Community Health | Health and Medical Administration | Health Economics | Health Policy | Medical Humanities | Medicine and Health | Medicine and Health Sciences | Other Public Health | Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms | Public Health | Social Welfare
Document Type
Poster
Included in
Community Health Commons, Health and Medical Administration Commons, Health Economics Commons, Health Policy Commons, Medical Humanities Commons, Medicine and Health Commons, Other Public Health Commons, Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Commons, Social Welfare Commons
Exploring Hypertension Prevalence Among Ill-housed individuals in Urban Environments
This study explores the interrelations of hypertension, homelessness, and access to healthcare in urban ill-housed populations. It was found that conditions such as heart disease and diabetes significantly exacerbate hypertension, which remains highly prevalent due to the population's limited access to consistent medical care. Homelessness further complicates the management of hypertension due to unstable living conditions, making adherence to treatment and follow-up with healthcare providers challenging. Additionally, factors like higher rates of substance abuse and malnutrition among homeless populations contribute to worsening hypertension, which, if untreated, can lead to severe health crises including heart attacks and strokes.
The research underscores the critical public health implications of hypertension within these communities, emphasizing the role of social determinants of health in exacerbating health disparities. The study suggests that interventions such as improved housing, accessible healthcare services, and nutrition support are crucial. It also calls for policymakers to allocate resources strategically to address these disparities and support the health and well-being of homeless populations.
Our findings reveal a stark connection between a lack of basic needs, as framed by Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, and poor health outcomes, particularly in managing chronic conditions like hypertension. This study not only highlights the health inequities faced by ill-housed individuals but also outlines the next steps for public health measures and policy adjustments aimed at reducing these disparities and improving overall community health.