Abstract: | Purpose: 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. Design: Qualitative using grounded theory and dimensional analysis. Sample: 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 Findings: 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. Clinical Implications: 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. |