This presentation describes the evolution of a health education program designed for an urban homeless shelter for women and children. The project spans two years and was part of a graduate level community health elective for students in medicine, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and nursing. The use of the Health Belief Model and community health concepts directed its evolution. Initially an in-depth needs assessment was conducted with several subgroups of the shelter (e.g., women who stayed at the shelter short-term, women who stayed at the shelter up to one year, and women with children). Demographic data from the shelter, individual interviews, focus groups, and staff interviews were analyzed. Three areas of concern were identified: child development and parenting concerns, stress management, and health care concerns (sexual health, nutrition, domestic violence, common health problems such as diabetes, hypertension and viral infections). Workshops on stress management and parenting skills were developed, implemented, and evaluated by students. Many women attended and had positive outcomes and satisfaction with the sessions. However, over time, it was determined that a method to continue such workshops at the shelter would be a "train the trainer" approach. Staff have been trained and implemented programs with graduate students and then alone. Evaluation of this technique will be discussed. There have been limited health education opportunities for women at this shelter in this past. Evaluation of this experience has shown positive outcomes for women attending the classes, for the staff providing the classes, and for the students developing the programs.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1. state the components of the Health Belief Model in relationship to a homeless health education program 2. describe a needs assessment method used to plan health education programs 3. describe planning and evaluation techniques used with these health education programs
Keywords: Community Health Programs, Homeless Health Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.