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Gonçalves Barbosa N, Carvalho Mendes LM, da Costa Carbogim F, Maria E Silva A, de Oliveira Gozzo T, Gomes-Sponholz FA. Sexual assault and vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections among homeless Brazilian women: a cross sectional qualitative study. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:561. [PMID: 37907882 PMCID: PMC10617181 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02723-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Homeless women have complex life conditions and are often exposed to violence, sexual exploitation, rape, prostitution, reproductive disorders, survival sex trading, unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The aim was to explore the existence of sexual aggression and vulnerability to STIs among homeless Brazilian women. METHODS Fifteen interviews were conducted with homeless women who were admitted to a women's shelter in a large city in Brazil. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, audiorecorded and complemented with notes of the researcher in field diary, subjected to inductive thematic analysis and analyzed in light of the social relations of gender. RESULTS Two themes were constructed: "Being a woman on the streets: a look at gender inequalities" and "Pain and the raped body: the scars of homeless women". The transgression of women's rights was observed with reports of sexual abuse interspersed with physical violence. Unprotected sexual practices were part of the daily lives of these women, with repercussions for their exposure to sexually transmitted infections. Dependence on psychoactive substances was mentioned, and transactional sex was used as a source of income to maintain such dependence, as well as to promote the women's livelihood. CONCLUSION Homeless women experience complex situations on the streets involving exposure to different types of violence, the use of transactional sex as a survival strategy and unprotected sexual practices. Furthermore, the way in which women have been exposed to sexual assault and their coping mechanisms to those require attention. Interventions are need to improve the healthcare assistance of homeless women victims of sexual assault, considering the vulnerability of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayara Gonçalves Barbosa
- Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Campus Universitãrio, Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, s/n - São Pedro, Juiz de Fora, 36036-900, Brazil.
| | - Lise Maria Carvalho Mendes
- University of São Paulo College of Nursing at Ribeirão Preto, Campus Monte Alegre, Avenida dos Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, 14040-902, SP, Brazil
| | - Fábio da Costa Carbogim
- Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Campus Universitãrio, Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, s/n - São Pedro, Juiz de Fora, 36036-900, Brazil
| | - Angela Maria E Silva
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, R. Afonso Cavalcanti, 275 - Cidade Nova, Rio de Janeiro, 20211-130, RJ, Brazil
| | - Thaís de Oliveira Gozzo
- University of São Paulo College of Nursing at Ribeirão Preto, Campus Monte Alegre, Avenida dos Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, 14040-902, SP, Brazil
| | - Flávia Azevedo Gomes-Sponholz
- University of São Paulo College of Nursing at Ribeirão Preto, Campus Monte Alegre, Avenida dos Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, 14040-902, SP, Brazil
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Patel CG, Williams SP, Tao G. Access to Healthcare and the Utilization of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Homeless Medicaid Patients 15 to 44 Years of Age. J Community Health 2022; 47:853-861. [PMID: 35819549 PMCID: PMC10167755 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-022-01119-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Homelessness poses a direct threat to public health in the US as many individuals face debilitating health outcomes and barriers to adequate health care. Access to STI care for the homeless Medicaid population of USA has not been well-studied using administrative claims data. Our study aims to compare health services utilization, STI screening and diagnoses among people experiencing homelessness (PEH) vs. those who are non-PEH using ICD10 codes. We used 2019 MarketScan Medicaid claims data to analyze men and women aged 15-44 years with a diagnosis code for PEH (Z59.0), non-PEH (without Z59.0) and assessed their emergency department and outpatient visits and STI/HIV diagnoses and screening rates. We identified 5135 PEH men and 3571 PEH women among 1.3 million men and 2.1 million women in the 2019 US Medicaid database. PEH patients were more likely to have ED visits (94.80% vs 33.04%) and ≥ 20 outpatient clinic visits (60.29% vs 16.16%) than non-PEH patients in 2019. Higher diagnoses were observed for syphilis 1.57% (CI 1.32-1.86) vs 0.11% (CI 0.11-0.11), HIV 3.93% (CI 3.53-4.36) vs 0.41% (CI 0.41-0.42), chlamydia 1.94% (CI 1.66-2.25) vs 0.85% (CI 0.84-0.86) and gonorrhea 1.26% (CI 1.04-1.52) vs. 0.33% (CI 0.33-0.34) (p < 0.0001) among PEH compared to non-PEH. Among PEH, higher STI/HIV diagnoses rates indicate an increase in STI burden and suboptimal STI testing indicates an underutilization of STI services despite having a higher percentage of health care visits compared to non-PEH patients. Focused STI/HIV interventions are needed to address health care needs of PEH patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chirag G Patel
- Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA, MS-E8030316, USA.
| | - Samantha P Williams
- Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Guoyu Tao
- Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Flike K, Foust JB, Hayman LL, Aronowitz T. Homelessness and Vulnerably-Housed Defined: A Synthesis of the Literature. Nurs Sci Q 2022; 35:350-367. [PMID: 35762065 DOI: 10.1177/08943184221092445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
There is no single accepted definition used in policy or research for the concepts of homelessness and vulnerably housed. Neuman's systems model (NSM) was the framework for this mixed-studies review, with the client system defined as these social issues and categorized as environmental stressors. Eighteen unique definitions of the concepts were identified in 30 studies. Extrapersonal stressors included housing history, interpersonal stressors included dependence on others for housing, and intrapersonal stressors included self-identification. Each level of stressor should be considered when defining these populations for inclusion in future research. Proposed definitions were formulated from the analysis of the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberlee Flike
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Janice B Foust
- Robert and Donna Manning College of Nursing & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laura L Hayman
- Robert and Donna Manning College of Nursing & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Teri Aronowitz
- Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
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Fisher DG, Reynolds GL, Khoiny N, Huckabay L, Rannalli D. Application of the Frailty Framework among Vulnerable Populations to Hospitalization Outcomes of Individuals Experiencing Homelessness in Long Beach, California. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL DISTRESS AND THE HOMELESS 2021; 31:163-171. [PMID: 36439946 PMCID: PMC9697922 DOI: 10.1080/10530789.2021.1908487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals experiencing homelessness have a high prevalence of infectious diseases that may result in hospitalization. However, low ability to navigate the healthcare system and lack of health insurance may mean that those who are experiencing homelessness may not receive the healthcare that they need. OBJECTIVES This study uses risk factors at baseline to predict hospitalization at follow-up. This paper also presents the associations between reporting homelessness and selected infectious diseases. RESEARCH DESIGN Longitudinal study of baseline and follow-up conducted August 2000 through July 2014. SUBJECTS 4916 Not experiencing homelessness mean age 37.9 years, 29% female, and 2692 experiencing homelessness age 42.1 years, 29% female received services from a research/service center in a low-income, high-crime area of Long Beach, CA. MEASURES Risk Behavior Assessment, Risk Behavior Follow-up Assessment, laboratory testing for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. RESULTS Predictors of hospitalization at follow-up were ever use of crack cocaine, income from Social Security or disability, reporting homelessness, female, and those who identify as Black compared to White race/ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS Income from the safety net of Social Security or disability appears to provide the participant with experience that transfers to being able to obtain healthcare. A higher proportion of those experiencing homelessness, compared to those not experiencing homelessness, appear to be hospitalized at follow-up. Women, those who identified as Black, and those who used crack at baseline are more likely to be hospitalized at follow-up whether or not they were experiencing homelessness. We recommend coordination with substance abuse treatment programs for discharge planning for homeless patients. Our findings support use of the Frailty Framework when working with individuals experiencing both homelessness and hospitalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis G Fisher
- California State University, Long Beach, 1250 Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90840
| | - Grace L Reynolds
- California State University, Long Beach, 1250 Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90840
| | - Noushin Khoiny
- California State University, Long Beach, 1250 Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90840
| | - Loucine Huckabay
- California State University, Long Beach, 1250 Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90840
| | - Debby Rannalli
- California State University, Long Beach, 1250 Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90840
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Dickins KA, Philpotts LL, Flanagan J, Bartels SJ, Baggett TP, Looby SE. Physical and Behavioral Health Characteristics of Aging Homeless Women in the United States: An Integrative Review. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2020; 30:1493-1507. [PMID: 33290147 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2020.8557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The average age of the homeless population is and will continue to rise. Although women comprise a significant and growing percentage of this vulnerable population, their age- and sex-specific health characteristics are poorly understood. Materials and Methods: This integrative review appraises published research addressing the physical and behavioral health characteristics of aging homeless women (≥50 years) in the United States (2000-2019). The authors searched six electronic databases to identify eligible studies. Studies were screened for methodological quality by using the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice model. The review is reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Results: Ten primary studies met the review eligibility criteria. All were level III (non-experimental); nine appraised as "good" quality (level B), and one as "lower" quality (level C). Aging homeless women demonstrate elevated rates of physical health conditions, related to suboptimal nutrition, lower than expected preventive health screening uptake, and geriatric concerns. Disproportionate rates of mental health conditions are compounded by substance use and interpersonal trauma. Familial and social dynamics and socioeconomic disadvantage contribute to social health concerns. Spiritual health is a critically important yet underexplored protective factor. Conclusions: Studies are limited, though collective findings suggest that aging homeless women endure a disproportionate physical, behavioral, and social health burden compared with aging non-homeless women and aging homeless men. Implications for research on early aging, preventative health strategies, and homelessness among women, and clinical practice in the context of geriatric and women's health are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten A Dickins
- Yvonne L. Munn Center for Nursing Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lisa L Philpotts
- Treadwell Library, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jane Flanagan
- Yvonne L. Munn Center for Nursing Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- William F. Connell School of Nursing, Boston College, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stephen J Bartels
- Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Travis P Baggett
- Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sara E Looby
- Yvonne L. Munn Center for Nursing Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Metabolism Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Park E, Stockman JK, Thrift B, Nicole A, Smith LR. Structural Barriers to Women's Sustained Engagement in HIV Care in Southern California. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:2966-2974. [PMID: 32323105 PMCID: PMC7790164 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-02847-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Since the introduction of antiretroviral therapy, the number of women living with HIV (WLHIV) continues to increase. Despite the decrease in HIV diagnosis among women in California, less than half of WLHIV are retained in HIV care. Structural barriers put women at increased risk for delayed HIV diagnosis, delayed entry into HIV care, and poorer treatment outcomes. The objective of this qualitative analysis is to identify how structural barriers negatively impact women's sustained engagement in HIV care in Southern California. WLHIV accessing local HIV support services participated in a qualitative study by completing a semi-structured interview and brief survey between January and April 2015 (n = 30). Poverty, unemployment, housing instability, and needs for transportation emerged as the dominant structural barriers for women when discussing their challenges with sustained engagement in HIV care. System-level interventions that decrease these noted barriers may help improve HIV care continuum for women living in Southern California.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunhee Park
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jamila K Stockman
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive #0507, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0507, USA
| | - Briana Thrift
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive #0507, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0507, USA
- Division of Epidemiology, San Diego State University Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ava Nicole
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive #0507, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0507, USA
| | - Laramie R Smith
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive #0507, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0507, USA.
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