Violent Lives of Women: Critical Points for Intervention/Life Charting

Each year, 5.3 million women are abused and several thousand die at the hands of intimate partners. If family violence were better understood, it could be predicted, described by patterns and prevented. Life charting (LC) is a method developed to explicate complex phenomena, such as bipolar disorder. This study tested the feasibility and usefulness of LC in deriving data about critical points in life when interventions could reduce or prevent family violence. Two research questions guided the study: (1) Does LC yield valid, reliable data when used as a review with women exposed to violence? (2) Is LC feasible for use in research?     

Mental Illness in Homeless Families

The article discusses the factors influencing mental illness in homeless families. High rates of domestic violence, substance abuse, depression, and poverty are identified as contributing factors. Social isolation and rejection by peers are commonly seen in children of homeless families. Nurse practitioners who provide health promotion, risk reduction strategies, and disease management in the community should adapt care interventions to take into account these contributing factors. Guidelines established by the National Health Care for the Homeless Council are used to adapt care for the unique needs of a homeless family at risk of or currently experiencing mental health issues.     

Health Needs of Homeless Persons

This study assessed the multidimensional health needs of the homeless population of Richmond, Virginia, using the Neuman systems model as the conceptual framework. A combination of indicator, key informant, and survey approaches was implemented. Specific health problems existed in the economic, social, mental, and physical health variables. Many of the homeless persons reported being single, having family problems, and being unemployed. Of particular interest were findings of a high prevalence of mental disorders, substance abuse, and infectious/parasitic diseases among the homeless. Implications of study results led to suggested program components for the nurse-run health clinic targeting the homeless of Richmond, as well as for continuing nursing evaluation to document the effectiveness of this clinic.     

Homeless Parents'Perceptions of Parenting Stress

PURPOSE. To describe homeless parents' perceptions of parenting stress as potential indicators of needs for support in parenting roles.
SAMPLE. Forty-seven homeless parents (30 mothers, 17 fathers).
METHODS. Subjects completed the Parenting Stress Index to measure perceived parenting stress in the areas of child domain, parent domain, and life stress.
FINDINGS. Homeless mothers and homeless fathers both identified the child domain as the most frequent source of stress. T tests showed a significant dierence between groups only in the parent domain sub- scale of competence.
CONCLUSIONS. Findings from this study indicate the need to include parenting stress questions in an initial nursing or health assessment.     

Men in the Lives of Mothers with Intellectual Disabilities

This paper examines the part played by men in the lives of mothers with intellectual disabilities. The study involved secondary analysis of data from three earlier studies of parenting by people with intellectual disabilities undertaken by the authors. The data challenge the widespread assumption that men are either exploitative or bring troubles of their own to relationships. The findings show that this view presents only a part of the picture and that supportive men were in the majority among the families surveyed. Men's contributions mostly came in the form of increments to their family's human capital rather than through the traditional breadwinner role.     

Tuberculosis Health Education Needs in Homeless Shelters

Abstract Tuberculosis has reemerged as an important public health concern, particularly with the rise in multi-drug-resistant strains. The homeless are at increased risk for infection, for active disease, and for incomplete treatment. Public health authorities have recommended that tuberculosis health education materials be developed specifically for residents and staff of homeless shelters. In this study, a diverse sample of 20 adult homelessshelter residents responded to open-ended questions regarding 1) their knowledge of tuberculosis and tuberculosis screening and treatment, 2) their perceptions of access to health care services related to tuberculosis, and 3) their views of health education regarding tuberculosis. The majority of the subjects had limited knowledge of tuberculosis and of screening and treatment for the disease. Many had misconceptions about the disease, particularly regarding its transmission. An analysis of the subjects' responses within the framework of the Health Belief Model indicated that basic tuberculosis health education programs for residents of homeless shelters are needed. The study findings indicated that a small-group educational format utilizing written materials and video aids might be most effective.