1
|
Bungay V, Dewar L, Schoening M, Guta A, Leiper W, Jiao S. Co-designing an Outreach Intervention for Women Experiencing Street-Involvement and Gender-Based Violence: Community-Academic Partnerships in Action. Violence Against Women 2024; 30:1760-1782. [PMID: 38374653 PMCID: PMC11041070 DOI: 10.1177/10778012241233004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Outreach is an important approach to improve health and social care for women experiencing street involvement (SI) or gender-based violence (GBV). Few studies have examined outreach approaches that incorporate SI and GBV. Drawing on feminist theories and principles of community-based research, we detail an inclusive co-design approach for an outreach intervention considering these interrelated contexts. Women with lived experience, researchers, and service leaders drew on research and experiential knowledge to define outreach engagement principles: tackling GBV, personhood and relational engagement, trauma-informed engagement, and harm reduction engagement. The resulting intervention integrates these principles to enable building and sustaining relationships to facilitate care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vicky Bungay
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Linda Dewar
- Inner-City Women's Initiatives Society, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Community Advisory Committee, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | | | - Wendy Leiper
- Community Partner Organization, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Sunny Jiao
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mayer S, Boyd J, Fairbairn N, Chapman J, Brohman I, Jenkins E, McNeil R. Women's experiences in injectable opioid agonist treatment programs in Vancouver, Canada. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 117:104054. [PMID: 37192557 PMCID: PMC10330495 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104054] [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] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injectable opioid agonist treatment (iOAT) has recently been expanded in some geographical contexts in Canada as part of a response to the escalating overdose crisis. Complex gendered dynamics, including power differentials, violence, and social norms, shape the overdose crisis and drug treatment programs which can adversely impact women's experiences. This qualitative study examines how social (e.g., gender, income, housing) and structural factors (e.g., program policies) impact women's experiences of iOAT. METHODS Qualitative interviews were completed with 16 women enrolled in four iOAT programs in Vancouver, Canada. Approximately 50 hours of ethnographic observations were conducted. Interview transcripts and ethnographic fieldnotes were analyzed using a critical feminist lens by applying the concepts of embodiment, relationality, and social control to understand women's engagement and self-reported treatment outcomes. RESULTS Initial iOAT engagement was a relational process, including initiating treatment with a partner and engaging with iOAT to (re)build personal relationships. Relationships with iOAT providers, including flexibility and support with medication administration, were important to women, providing an affirming embodied experience and a greater sense of agency. However, program operations (e.g., mandated daily attendance, program crowding) incompatible with women's needs (e.g., employment) could undermine these positive experiences. Women's reported outcomes highlight a tension between achieving more agency and the constraints of intensive and stigmatized treatment. CONCLUSION This study highlights how iOAT is both a source of care and control for women from a relational and embodied perspective. Findings underscore the need for gender-attentive and flexible drug treatment services to meet the varied needs of women and the importance of providing relational care for women accessing iOAT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samara Mayer
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 717 East Hastings St. Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada; Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate Program, University of British Columbia, 170-6371 Crescent Road, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2, Canada
| | - Jade Boyd
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 717 East Hastings St. Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street. Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Nadia Fairbairn
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 717 East Hastings St. Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street. Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Jules Chapman
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 717 East Hastings St. Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - Isabella Brohman
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 717 East Hastings St. Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - Emily Jenkins
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, T201-2211 Wesbrook Mall. Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Ryan McNeil
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 717 East Hastings St. Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street. Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, 06510, United States; Yale Program in Addiction Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, 06510, United States; Department of Anthropology, Yale University, New Haven, 06510, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Motyka MA, Al-Imam A, Haligowska A, Michalak M. Helping Women Suffering from Drug Addiction: Needs, Barriers, and Challenges. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14039. [PMID: 36360917 PMCID: PMC9656705 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Statistical data on the use of various psychoactive substances indicate a narrowing of previous differences in substance use between men and women. Data from studies conducted among women suffering from drug addiction are increasingly published, with the authors highlighting the specific needs of this group and the difficulties that women with addiction problems encounter. The current study aimed to identify the barriers and needs of this audience, both when seeking help and during treatment. The method used in the study was secondary content analysis. To identify publications describing the barriers and needs of women suffering from drug addiction, we searched the PubMed database to find publications that met the adopted research objective. We set the data search period to the last ten years to examine the timeliness of the issue under study. The search yielded 199 research reports. Twenty-three articles describing 21 studies were included in the final analysis. The selected publications dealt with the difficulties and challenges faced by women with addiction problems. Barriers to accessing treatment for this group, the needs, and the challenges of helping women suffering from addiction were identified. Results showed that the barriers are mainly stigma but also deficits in the therapeutic offerings for this group. The primary need was identified as the introduction of appropriate drug policies, and the challenges, unfortunately, are the still-reported gender inequalities. To improve the situation of women, regular attention to these issues and the need to include them in national health strategies is essential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marek A. Motyka
- Institute of Sociological Sciences, University of Rzeszow, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Ahmed Al-Imam
- Department of Computer Science and Statistics, Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-806 Poznan, Poland
- Department of Anatomy and Cellular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad 10001, Iraq
- Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AD, UK
| | | | - Michał Michalak
- Department of Computer Science and Statistics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 7 St. (1st Floor), 61-806 Poznan, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Exploring the conceptualization, operationalization, implementation, and measurement of outreach in community settings with hard-to-reach and hidden populations: A scoping review. Soc Sci Med 2022; 309:115232. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
5
|
Whitfield MM, Waite J, Duhn L, Ross-White A, Godfrey CM, Camargo-Plazas P. Access to health and social services by women living on a low income in Canada: a scoping review protocol. JBI Evid Synth 2022; 20:2336-2343. [DOI: 10.11124/jbies-21-00418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
|
6
|
Peckham A, Wright JG, Marani H, Abdelhalim R, Laxer D, Allin S, Alam N, Marchildon G. Putting the Patient First: A Scoping Review of Patient Desires in Canada. Healthc Policy 2021; 16:46-69. [PMID: 34129478 PMCID: PMC8200834 DOI: 10.12927/hcpol.2021.26499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Patient-centred care is a key priority for governments, providers and stakeholders, yet little is known about the care preferences of patient groups. We completed a scoping review that yielded 193 articles for analysis. Five health states were used to account for the diversity of possible preferences based on health needs. Five broad themes were identified and expressed differently across the health states, including personalized care, navigation, choice, holistic care and care continuity. Patients' perspectives must be considered to meet the diverse needs of targeted patient groups, which can inform health system planning, quality improvement initiatives and targeting of investments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allie Peckham
- Assistant Professor, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ; North American Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| | - James G Wright
- Chief, Economics, Policy and Research, Ontario Medical Association, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public HealthUniversity of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| | - Husayn Marani
- Research Assistant, North American Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public HealthUniversity of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| | - Reham Abdelhalim
- Research Assistant, North American Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public HealthUniversity of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| | - Dara Laxer
- Executive Director, Health Policy and Promotion, Ontario Medical Association, Toronto, ON
| | - Sara Allin
- Director of Operations, North American Observatory on Health Systems and Policies; Assistant Professor, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| | - Nadia Alam
- Past President, Ontario Medical Association, Toronto, ON
| | - Greg Marchildon
- Director, North American Observatory on Health Systems and Policies; Professor, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hossain R, Dai JH, Jamani S, Ma Z, Dvorani E, Graves E, Burcul I, Strobel S. Hard-to-Reach Populations and Administrative Health Data: A Serial Cross-sectional Study and Application of Data to Improve Interventions for People Experiencing Homelessness. Med Care 2021; 59:S139-S145. [PMID: 33710086 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intervention studies with vulnerable groups in the emergency department (ED) suffer from lower quality and an absence of administrative health data. We used administrative health data to identify and describe people experiencing homelessness who access EDs, characterize patterns of ED use relative to the general population, and apply findings to inform the design of a peer support program. METHODS We conducted a serial cross-sectional study using administrative health data to examine ED use by people experiencing homelessness and nonhomeless individuals in the Niagara region of Ontario, Canada from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2018. Outcomes included number of visits; unique patients; group proportions of Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) scores; time spent in emergency; and time to see an MD. Descriptive statistics were generated with t tests for point estimates and a Mann-Whitney U test for distributional measures. RESULTS We included 1,486,699 ED visits. The number of unique people experiencing homelessness ranged from 91 in 2010 to 344 in 2017, trending higher over the study period compared with nonhomeless patients. Rate of visits increased from 1.7 to 2.8 per person. People experiencing homelessness presented later with higher overall acuity compared with the general population. Time in the ED and time to see an MD were greater among people experiencing homelessness. CONCLUSIONS People experiencing homelessness demonstrate increasing visits, worse health, and longer time in the ED when compared with the general population, which may be a burden on both patients and the health care system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahat Hossain
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto
| | - Jia Hong Dai
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University
| | - Shaila Jamani
- Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines
| | - Zechen Ma
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University
| | | | | | - Ivana Burcul
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Krabbe J, Jiao S, Guta A, Slemon A, Cameron AA, Bungay V. Exploring the operationalisation and implementation of outreach in community settings with hard-to-reach and hidden populations: protocol for a scoping review. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e039451. [PMID: 33579763 PMCID: PMC7883846 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-039451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Outreach is regularly identified as an effective strategy to engage underserved, hard-to-reach and hidden populations with essential life-sustaining health services. Despite the increasing expansion of outreach programmes, particularly in HIV prevention and health promotion with youth, sex workers, people living with mental health and substance use challenges, and those affected by homelessness, there has been limited synthesis of the evidence concerning the core components of outreach programming or indicators of its successful implementation. Without this understanding, current outreach programmes may be limited in achieving the desired aims. The aim of this scoping review is to explore how outreach has been operationalised and implemented in various community settings with people underserved in current healthcare contexts. Understanding the state of knowledge pertaining to outreach as programming and as practice involving the engagement of people considered hard-to-reach will enable the identification of promising trends and limitations in the field. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This scoping review follows the Arksey and O'Malley's framework. CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and PubMed databases will be searched for peer-reviewed references focused on outreach with hard-to-reach and hidden groups from 1 January 2008 to 30 April 2020. Guided by explicit inclusion and exclusion criteria, three reviewers will independently assess references in two successive stages. Titles and abstracts will be reviewed followed by full-text assessment of papers meeting the review criteria. A descriptive overview, tabular and/or graphical summaries and a thematic analysis will be carried out on extracted data. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval was not required as the only data source was peer-reviewed documents. Outreach knowledge users who are members of the project team will participate in all aspects of study design, implementation and result dissemination strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janina Krabbe
- Interdisciplinary Studies, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sunny Jiao
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Adrian Guta
- School of Social Work, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Allie Slemon
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Vicky Bungay
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Felsher M, Koku E, Lankenau S, Brady K, Bellamy S, Roth AM. Motivations for PrEP-Related Interpersonal Communication Among Women Who Inject Drugs: A Qualitative Egocentric Network Study. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2021; 31:86-99. [PMID: 32869694 PMCID: PMC7864555 DOI: 10.1177/1049732320952740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
A qualitative egocentric social network approach was taken to explore motivations for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)-related communication between women who inject drugs and network members. Eligible participants were HIV-negative, 18 years or older, and participating in a PrEP demonstration project in Philadelphia, PA, USA. The study employed content analysis of in-depth interviews to identify themes related to contextual and relational factors impacting PrEP communication within networks. Participants (n = 20) named on average three network members, resulting in a total of 57 unique relationships. PrEP conversations occurred within 30 of the 57 relationships, and motivations were to benefit others, to benefit themselves, and due to a sense of obligation. Some conversations also occurred when a peer unexpectedly found their pills. Taking a qualitative approach to network analysis provided a nuanced understanding of how interpersonal characteristics motivated PrEP conversations. Network interventions that facilitate information diffusion and social support may increase PrEP uptake and adherence among women who inject drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kathleen Brady
- Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Klarare A, Wikman A, Söderlund M, McGreevy J, Mattsson E, Rosenblad A. Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Psychometric Analysis of the Attitudes Towards Homelessness Inventory for Use in Sweden. Worldviews Evid Based Nurs 2020; 18:42-49. [PMID: 33280243 PMCID: PMC7984385 DOI: 10.1111/wvn.12477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background Homelessness is an increasing problem worldwide, and the origins of homelessness in high‐income countries are multifaceted. Due to stigma and discrimination, persons in homelessness delay seeking health care, resulting in avoidable illness and death. The Attitudes Towards Homelessness Inventory (ATHI) was developed to cover multiple dimensions of attitudes toward persons in homelessness and to detect changes in multiple segments of populations. It has, however, not previously been translated to Swedish. Aims The aim of the present study was to translate, cross‐culturally adapt, and psychometrically test the ATHI for use in a Swedish healthcare context. Methods The project used a traditional forward‐ and back‐translation process in six stages: (1) two simultaneous translations by bilingual experts; (2) expert review committee synthesis; (3) blind back‐translation; (4) expert review committee deliberations; (5) pre‐testing with cognitive interviews including registered nurses (n = 5), nursing students (n = 5), and women in homelessness (n = 5); and (6) psychometric evaluations. The final ATHI questionnaire was answered by 228 registered nurses and nursing students in the year 2019. Results The translation process was systematically conducted and entailed discussions regarding semantic, idiomatic, experiential, and conceptual equivalence. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine if the collected data fitted the hypothesized four‐factor structure of the ATHI. Overall, it was found that the model had an acceptable fit and that the Swedish version of ATHI may be used in a Swedish healthcare context. Linking Evidence to Action The ATHI has been shown to be a psychometrically acceptable research instrument for use in a Swedish healthcare context. The systematic and rigorous process applied in this study, including experts with diverse competencies in translation proceedings and testing, improved the reliability and validity of the final Swedish version of the ATHI. The instrument may be used to investigate attitudes toward women in homelessness among nursing students and RNs in Sweden.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Klarare
- Department of Health Care SciencesErsta Sköndal Bräcke University CollegeStockholmSweden
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Clinical Psychology in HealthcareUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Anna Wikman
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Reproductive HealthUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Mona Söderlund
- Department of Health Care SciencesErsta Sköndal Bräcke University CollegeStockholmSweden
| | - Jenny McGreevy
- Department of DieteticsRegion SörmlandNyköpingSweden
- Centre for Clinical Research SörmlandEskilstunaSweden
| | - Elisabet Mattsson
- Department of Health Care SciencesErsta Sköndal Bräcke University CollegeStockholmSweden
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Clinical Psychology in HealthcareUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Andreas Rosenblad
- Department of Medical Sciences, Clinical Diabetology and MetabolismUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Orchard T, Murie A, Salter K, Elash HL, Bunch M, Middleton C, Benoit C. Balance, Capacity, and the Contingencies of Everyday Life: Narrative Etiologies of Health Among Women in Street-Based Sex Work. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2020; 30:518-529. [PMID: 31216937 DOI: 10.1177/1049732319855967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
There is an abundance of health research with women in street-based sex work, but few studies examine what health means and how it is practiced by participants. We embrace these tasks by exploring how a convenience sample of sex workers (n = 33) think about and enact health in their lives. Findings reveal pluralistic notions of health that include neoliberal, biomedical, and lay knowledge. Health is operationalized through clinic/hospital visits and self-care practices, which emerge as pragmatic behaviors and ways to resist or compensate for exclusionary treatment in health care systems. Participants also use symbols of biomedical authority to substantiate their lay interpretations of certain conditions, revealing complex forms of moral reasoning in their health etiologies. We conclude that doing health and constructing rich narratives about it are constituent elements of the women's everyday praxis and subjectivities in relation to the broader socioeconomic and political worlds of which they are a part.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Mary Bunch
- York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Cecilia Benoit
- University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Omerov P, Craftman ÅG, Mattsson E, Klarare A. Homeless persons' experiences of health- and social care: A systematic integrative review. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2020; 28:1-11. [PMID: 31524327 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Homelessness is associated with high risks of morbidity and premature death. Many interventions aimed to improve physical and mental health exist, but do not reach the population of persons experiencing homelessness. Despite the widely reported unmet healthcare needs, more information about the barriers and facilitators that affect access to care for persons experiencing homelessness is needed. A systematic integrative review was performed to explore experiences and needs of health- and social care for persons experiencing homelessness. The following databases were searched: AMED, ASSIA, Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, Cochrane library, Nursing and Allied Database, PsycInfo, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection. Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria of empirical studies with adult persons experiencing homelessness, English language, and published 2008-2018. Fifty percent of the studies were of qualitative and quantitative design, respectively. Most studies (73%) were conducted in the United States (n=11) and Canada (n=5). The analysis resulted in three themes Unmet basic human needs, Interpersonal dimensions of access to care, and Structural and organizational aspects to meet needs. The findings highlight that persons in homelessness often must prioritize provision for basic human needs, such as finding shelter and food, over getting health- and social care. Bureaucracy and rigid opening hours, as well as discrimination and stigma, hinder these persons' access to health- and social care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pernilla Omerov
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Elisabet Mattsson
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Clinical Psychology in Healthcare, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Klarare
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Clinical Psychology in Healthcare, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ramsay N, Hossain R, Moore M, Milo M, Brown A. Health Care While Homeless: Barriers, Facilitators, and the Lived Experiences of Homeless Individuals Accessing Health Care in a Canadian Regional Municipality. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2019; 29:1839-1849. [PMID: 30810072 DOI: 10.1177/1049732319829434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Persons struggling with housing remain significantly disadvantaged when considering access to health care. Effective advocacy for their needs will require understanding the factors which impact their health care, and which of those most concern patients themselves. A qualitative descriptive study through the lens of a transformative framework was used to identify barriers and facilitators to accessing health care as perceived by people experiencing homelessness in the regional municipality of Niagara, Canada. In-person, semi-structured interviews with 16 participants were completed, and inductive thematic analysis identified nine barriers and eight facilitators. Barriers included affordability, challenges finding primary care, inadequacy of the psychiatric model, inappropriate management, lack of trust in health care providers, poor therapeutic relationships, systemic issues, and transportation and accessibility. Facilitators included accessibility of services, community health care outreach, positive relationships, and shelters coordinating health care. Knowledge of the direct experiences of marginalized individuals can help create new health policies and enhance the provision of clinical care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Ramsay
- McMaster University, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Niagara Regional Campus, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rahat Hossain
- McMaster University, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Niagara Regional Campus, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mo Moore
- McMaster University, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Niagara Regional Campus, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Milo
- McMaster University, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Niagara Regional Campus, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Allison Brown
- McMaster University, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Niagara Regional Campus, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Varcoe C, Bungay V, Browne AJ, Wilson E, Wathen CN, Kolar K, Perrin N, Comber S, Blanchet Garneau A, Byres D, Black A, Price ER. EQUIP Emergency: study protocol for an organizational intervention to promote equity in health care. BMC Health Serv Res 2019; 19:687. [PMID: 31601199 PMCID: PMC6785893 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-019-4494-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Social inequities are widening globally, contributing to growing health and health care inequities. Health inequities are unjust differences in health and well-being between and within groups of people caused by socially structured, and thus avoidable, marginalizing conditions such as poverty and systemic racism. In Canada, such conditions disproportionately affect Indigenous persons, racialized newcomers, those with mental health and substance use issues, and those experiencing interpersonal violence. Despite calls to enhance equity in health care to contribute to improving population health, few studies examine how to achieve equity at the point of care, and the impacts of doing so. Many people facing marginalizing conditions experience inadequate and inequitable treatment in emergency departments (EDs), which makes people less likely to access care, paradoxically resulting in reliance on EDs through delays to care and repeat visits, interfering with effective care delivery and increasing human and financial costs. EDs are key settings with potential for mitigating the impacts of structural conditions and barriers to care linked to health inequities. Methods EQUIP is an organizational intervention to promote equity. Building on promising research in primary health care, we are adapting EQUIP to emergency departments, and testing its impact at three geographically and demographically diverse EDs in one Canadian province. A mixed methods multisite design will examine changes in key outcomes including: a) a longitudinal analysis of change over time based on structured assessments of patients and staff, b) an interrupted time series design of administrative data (i.e., staff sick leave, patients who leave without care being completed), c) a process evaluation to assess how the intervention was implemented and the contextual features of the environment and process that are influential for successful implementation, and d) a cost-benefit analysis. Discussion This project will generate both process- and outcome-based evidence to improve the provision of equity-oriented health care in emergency departments, particularly targeting groups known to be at greatest risk for experiencing the negative impacts of health and health care inequities. The main deliverable is a health equity-enhancing framework, including implementable, measurable interventions, tested, refined and relevant to diverse EDs. Trial registration Clinical Trials.gov #NCT03369678 (registration date November 18, 2017).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colleen Varcoe
- Critical Research in Health and Healthcare Inequities Research Unit, School of Nursing, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Vicky Bungay
- Critical Research in Health and Healthcare Inequities Research Unit, School of Nursing, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Annette J Browne
- Critical Research in Health and Healthcare Inequities Research Unit, School of Nursing, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Erin Wilson
- School of Nursing, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada
| | - C Nadine Wathen
- Faculty of Information & Media Studies & Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Kat Kolar
- Critical Research in Health and Healthcare Inequities Research Unit, School of Nursing, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nancy Perrin
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Scott Comber
- Rowe School of Business, Dalhousie University, Halifax, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Agnes Black
- Professional Practice Office, Providence Health Care, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Elder Roberta Price
- Critical Research in Health and Healthcare Inequities Research Unit, School of Nursing, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Prodan-Bhalla N, Browne AJ. Exploring women's health care experiences through an equity lens: Findings from a community clinic serving marginalised women. J Clin Nurs 2019; 28:3459-3469. [PMID: 31162864 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.14937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To explore how marginalised women perceive and rate equity-oriented health care at a primary care clinic using items that evaluate patients' experiences of care. BACKGROUND Despite an increased recognition of the importance of health care that is equity-oriented, and that understands the patient within the context of the broader social determinants of health, inequities in health remain prevalent around the world. DESIGN Items from the "EQUIP Primary Health Care" research programme were used to explore patients' experiences of equity-oriented health care. Women were invited to complete the questionnaire with the explicit aim of gaining their input to improve quality of care at the clinic. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology Statement was followed for the study. METHODS Sixty-seven women who experienced significant health and social inequities, and were seeking care at a women's only nurse practitioner primary health care clinic in Canada, were invited to complete the questionnaire. For quality improvement purposes, correlational analyses were used to explore women's experiences of care. RESULTS Women's responses showed that Promote Emotional Safety and Trust and Overall Quality of Care were the most highly correlated domains, indicating the importance of the health care team in establishing trusting relationships, particularly for women who experience stigma and negative judgement when seeking care. CONCLUSION Seeking feedback from patients on their experiences of care using items developed to explicitly tap into equity issues is useful in understanding how patients experience equity-oriented health care. Responses from the women highlight the importance of understanding not only the what of equity-oriented care but also the how. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE The results of this study illustrate the importance of establishing trusting relationships, tailoring care, and using a nondiscriminatory approach when working with women who experience negative judgements when seeking care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Annette J Browne
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Paterno MT, Low M, Gubrium A, Sanger K. Mothers and Mentors: Exploring Perinatal Addiction and Recovery Through Digital Storytelling. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2019; 29:545-556. [PMID: 29871558 DOI: 10.1177/1049732318777474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are a growing problem for pregnant and parenting women. Woman-to-woman peer support may positively influence perinatal outcomes but little is known about the impact of such support on the women who are providing support. The purpose of this study was to describe experiences of addiction in pregnancy, recovery, and subsequently serving as a peer mentor to other pregnant women with active SUD among women in recovery in a rural setting. We conducted one digital storytelling workshop with five women serving as peer mentors with lived experience of perinatal SUD. The mentors faced significant stigma in pregnancy. They had each done the "inside work" to achieve recovery, and maintained recovery by staying balanced. Peer mentoring supported their own recovery, and story sharing was integral to this process. Peer-led support models may be an effective, self-sustaining method of providing pregnancy-specific peer support for SUD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary T Paterno
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Maud Low
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Aline Gubrium
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kirk Sanger
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Argento E, Braschel M, Walsh Z, Socias ME, Shannon K. The moderating effect of psychedelics on the prospective relationship between prescription opioid use and suicide risk among marginalized women. J Psychopharmacol 2018; 32:1385-1391. [PMID: 30255717 PMCID: PMC6355147 DOI: 10.1177/0269881118798610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Given high rates of depression and suicide among marginalized women, and increasing calls to integrate trauma-informed biomedical and community-led structural interventions, this study longitudinally examines the potential moderating effect of psychedelic use on the relationship between other illicit drug use and suicide risk. METHODS Data (2010-2017) were drawn from a community-based, prospective open cohort of marginalized women in Vancouver, Canada. Extended Cox regression analyses examined the moderating effect of psychedelic use on the association between other illicit drug use and incidence of suicidal ideation or attempt over follow-up. RESULTS Of 340 women without suicidal ideation or attempt at baseline, 16% ( n=53) reported a first suicidal episode during follow-up, with an incidence density of 4.63 per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval 3.53-6.07). In unadjusted analysis, psychedelic use moderated the relationship between prescription opioid use and suicide risk: among women who did not use psychedelics, prescription opioid use increased the hazard of suicide (hazard ratio 2.91; 95% confidence interval 1.40-6.03) whereas prescription opioid use was not associated with increased suicidal ideation or attempt among those who used psychedelics (hazard ratio 0.69; 95% confidence interval 0.27-1.73) (interaction term p-value: 0.016). The moderating effect of psychedelics remained significant when adjusted for confounders (interaction term p-value: 0.036). CONCLUSIONS Psychedelic use had a protective moderating effect on the relationship between prescription opioid use and suicide risk. In the context of a severe public health crisis around prescription opioids and lack of addiction services tailored to marginalized women, this study supports calls for innovative, evidence-based and trauma-informed interventions, including further research on the potential benefits of psychedelics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Argento
- Gender and Sexual Health Initiative, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Melissa Braschel
- Gender and Sexual Health Initiative, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Zach Walsh
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - M. Eugenia Socias
- Gender and Sexual Health Initiative, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada,BC Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kate Shannon
- Gender and Sexual Health Initiative, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Benoit C, Jansson SM, Smith M, Flagg J. Prostitution Stigma and Its Effect on the Working Conditions, Personal Lives, and Health of Sex Workers. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2018; 55:457-471. [PMID: 29148837 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2017.1393652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Researchers have shown that stigma is a fundamental determinant of behavior, well-being, and health for many marginalized groups, but sex workers are notably absent from their analyses. This article aims to fill the empirical research gap on sex workers by reviewing the mounting evidence of stigmatization attached to sex workers' occupation, often referred to as "prostitution" or "whore" stigma. We give special attention to its negative effect on the working conditions, personal lives, and health of sex workers. The article first draws attention to the problem of terminology related to the subject area and makes the case for consideration of prostitution stigmatization as a fundamental cause of social inequality. We then examined the sources of prostitution stigma at macro, meso, and micro levels. The third section focuses on tactics sex workers employ to manage, reframe, or resist occupational stigma. We conclude with a call for more comparative studies of stigma related to sex work to contribute to the general stigma literature, as well as social policy and law reform.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Benoit
- a Centre for Addictions Research of British Columbia , University of Victoria
| | - S Mikael Jansson
- a Centre for Addictions Research of British Columbia , University of Victoria
| | - Michaela Smith
- a Centre for Addictions Research of British Columbia , University of Victoria
| | - Jackson Flagg
- a Centre for Addictions Research of British Columbia , University of Victoria
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Dutta M. Social Context of Health and Diversity Issues. HANDBOOKS IN HEALTH, WORK, AND DISABILITY 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2920-7_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
|