Introduction
Homelessness is sometimes thought to be restricted to those who are “living in squalor” on the outdoors, but it is only a minor portion of the issue. Homeless people are regarded to be one of current societal most vulnerable people, especially those that are sick, have a poor income, are jobless, are lonely, or have torn up from their relationships (Taylor et al., 2019). According to previous surveys, over half of all petitions for homelessness were submitted as a result of a breakup in a relationship or being asked to leave their permanent address (Taylor et al., 2019). The bulk of homeless people are still looking for food, drink, shelter, warmth, and sleep. When these demands aren’t addressed, they’re more likely to neglect health issues, putting other concerns like finding work and finding food ahead of seeking medical help. As a result, this population is less likely to seek medical help. The following proposal identifies some of the physiological issues that are connected with homelessness, as well as solutions and approaches to improve patient-doctor relationships.
Statement of Problem
Homelessness is a big social issue that has a significant impact on society. Social factors influence whether or not the community will obtain the necessary health care. For example, a lack of housing can lead to a variety of health issues. Acute musculoskeletal discomfort is often caused by trauma such as battling, falling, or being struck by a car, and is one of the physiological difficulties connected with homelessness. Unsanitary living circumstances can increase the problems of these injuries, resulting in persistent pain, illnesses, and abscesses. They are also linked to neurological issues, which have a significant impact on physical health. Most homeless people do not believe in anything, including medical treatment, because they believe they are social outcasts. As a result, fulfilling the physiological health needs of homeless individuals can increase their faith in medical practitioners, encouraging them to continue with treatment.
Background
Physiological Health Needs of Homeless People
Homelessness raises the odds of contracting medical problems such as skin problems and diseases in the extremities, and also trauma, mainly as a consequence of physical violence or sexual assault. It also has the potential to turn a minor health problem into a life-dangering illness. (Aldridge et al., 2019).
According to a study, pain is a major issue among homeless shelter residents: 71.3 percent experienced acute pain, and 59.3 percent met the conditions for chronic pain, with an average duration of more than 6 years (Aldridge et al., 2019). Chronic pain is significantly higher in this demographic than in the general population, according to scientists, because of poor sleeping habits, decreased regular exercise, and inadequate analgesia regulation. However, it was impossible to determine whether the chronic pain began before the participants were homeless or began after they became homeless. Because a large number of the homeless individuals suffers from chronic pain, it is critical that physiotherapists know the process of chronic pain and how to efficiently control chronic pain. For drug reviews, consulting to a chronic pain expert may be advantageous.
Homeless persons are also susceptible to a variety of respiratory problems. They are typically exposed to a variety of contaminants, including those produced by the tobacco industry and other activities. Their lifestyles are likewise influenced by the cold. This raises significant respiratory risks. Other illnesses that fall under COPD include bronchitis and emphysema, both of which are more common among the homeless (Aldridge et al., 2019). As a result of the extra effort required to clear the patient’s secretions and the longer time it takes for illnesses to recover, cigarette smoke may cause a rise in respiratory secretions and a reduction in mucociliary clearance. Controlling such diseases adequately can be challenging, especially for those who live in unclean, overcrowded surroundings or sleep homeless in the cold, given the increased risk of pneumonia and several other respiratory problems.
Physiotherapy can help with chest cleaning and education for people who have respiratory problems. Physiotherapy guidance can assist in clearing secretions and reducing breathing effort. Assuming you suspect your destitute patient has a chest contamination, you might have to fit an activity program to their way of life and proposition counsel on a case by case basis. Malnourishment, parasitic infections, dental and oral disease, degenerative joint illnesses, venereal diseases, liver cirrhosis intermediate to heavy drinking, and hepatitis virus linked to intravenous (IV) substance abuse are all health issues that can arise from or are typically associated to homeless people (Aldridge et al., 2019).
Significance
It is critical to comprehend people’s common physiological demands. It gives information on the number of people on the street who need help and support. Identifying the needs can help doctors find a viable solution to the problem. Individuals with bodily demands such as pain and injuries, for example, will need medication, food, and shelter. As a result, medical experts can start a movement to lobby politicians to create new regulations that will offer shelter for these people. Every citizen has the right to adequate housing; consequently, fighting for their needs can lead to enhanced physical health because the majority of people will have access to a healthier living environment. Supported housing for the homeless results to improved physical status of the people (Tsai, Gelberg & Rosenheck, 2019). Because homeless individuals believe medical experts care about their needs, they will believe they have a responsibility to preserve their health, leading them to attend doctors and follow all prescriptions.
Conclusion
Homelessness is linked to a variety of health-related issues. Individuals who are homeless often have physiological needs, which might lead to a shorter life expectancy owing to exposure to numerous risk factors. As a result, medical experts play an important role in designing policies that will help homeless individuals achieve their health needs. This could lead to a better interaction between the patient and the doctor.
References
Aldridge, R. W., Menezes, D., Lewer, D., Cornes, M., Evans, H., Blackburn, R. M., & Hayward, A. (2019). Causes of death among homeless people: a population-based cross-sectional study of linked hospitalization and mortality data in England. Wellcome open research, 4.
Tsai, J., Gelberg, L., & Rosenheck, R. A. (2019). Changes in physical health after supported housing: results from the collaborative initiative to end chronic homelessness. Journal of general internal medicine, 34(9), 1703-1708.
Taylor, A., Murillo, R., Businelle, M. S., Chen, T. A., Kendzor, D. E., McNeill, L. H., & Reitzel, L. R. (2019). Physical activity and sleep problems in homeless adults. PLoS One, 14(7), e0218870.
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