Managing health problems among homeless women with children in a transitional shelter.
OBJECTIVE
To describe health problems among homeless women with children living in a transitional shelter, analyze how they managed various ailments and when and how they sought care.


METHODS
Qualitative using grounded theory and dimensional analysis.


METHODS
During 1992 and 1993, data were gathered from a convenience sample of 13 Latina, 11 White, and 6 African American women (n = 30) who lived in a transitional shelter in California, USA.


METHODS
In-depth, semi-structured interviews.


RESULTS
Despite many supportive services in transitional shelter, respondents had difficulty managing health problems. Typically, a woman reported she managed a health problem by overcoming it alone.


CONCLUSIONS
The pattern of overcoming it alone existed years before transitional shelter life, and, in many instances, persisted during shelter years.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinical nursing interventions that address shame, fear, lack of information, and eligibility for services could improve health outcomes among women and children living in transitional shelters.
Hatton
D C
DC
University of San Diego, CA 92110, USA.
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons; D006801:Humans; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016387:Women's Health