Windshield Survey
Windshield Survey refers to an informal technique or method used by nurses and other healthcare workers to gather basic information about a certain demographic or neighborhood. To acquire epidemiological data, community health frequently focuses on a specific geographic place. This paper addresses a Capella Library article about homelessness in the United States, specifically in the state of Texas. According to the AHAR (Annual Homeless Assessment Report), there are approximately 19,200 homeless people in Texas. According to reports, around 8 out of every 10,000 people in Texas are homeless. Being homeless, in general, contributes greatly to bad health. Previous data reveal that the health of homeless persons in the US is worse compared to the general population (Ivanov & Blue, 2008).
Evidence-Based Practice
Comparison of Primary Statistics
First, the roads in Texas are busy are many people use private means of transportation while a few use public means. The homeless people are seen seated in particular corners or streets while others roam on the busy roads. A major health concern is that there are no enough crossings and sidewalks hence the homeless are often hit by moving cars. The US records over 35, 398 deaths that result from motor vehicle accidents. Unfortunately, 45 percent of these deaths are homeless persons. Unintentional injuries and deaths are the leading causes of mortality and morbidity among homeless persons. Among these causes, 70 percent result from being struck by motor vehicles. Others include excess consumption of substance and alcohol. Violence against the homeless is another factor of health concern. A study in Texas revealed that 40 percent of the homeless persons are assaulted. Among the assaulted victims, 21 percent are women that have been raped. Additionally, the study revealed that homeless men are nine times at risk of being killed compared to the general population in the US (United States). The harsh conditions that the homeless persons experience often cause serious injuries or deaths (Hunt, 2009).
Epidemiological Concepts and Data Analysis Methods
According to studies, the number of homeless persons in the US is 23 percent. A survey indicates that the incidences of deaths are common among these population. For instance, most of the homeless persons die before the age of 30 years. Besides, if one compares this population to the general population in the US, they (homeless) experience higher prevalence of infectious diseases. Most studies have focused on Hepatitis C, Tuberculosis and HIV prevalence among the homeless people. The studies have also reported a high prevalence of Hepatitis A and B, and skin problems among this population. In the US, the prevalence of TB among the homeless population is 45 times more than that in the general population. In Texas, the prevalence is about 43 times more than the general population. The prevalence of Hepatitis C infection is about 50 times more when compared to the general population in the US (Brown, 2013).
Data can be analyzed regardless of whether it is qualitative or quantitative data through many ways. From the studies located, one can easily conclude that a qualitative data analysis method has been embraced. Often, this method seeks to limit or reduce large amounts of information from different sources. Evidently, the information in these studies has been de5.rived from different national sources. The studies involved the use of surveys, videos, interviews and pictures. Some of the studies embrace the quantitative method of data analysis. This method of data analysis involves a systematic approach to research methodology where the researcher collects and analyses numerical data. Evidently, studies have collected numerical figures of the homeless persons and compared this figure to the general population in the US. The previous studies use the quantitative methodology to try and answer questions such as 'how many' and 'what' in their publications. For instance, a national survey study indicated that there are about 19, 200 homeless persons in the states. Other studies reveal that there are over 35, 000 deaths resulting from motor injuries. Apparently, it is clear quantities methodology of data analysis applied in these studies is meant to find relevant evidence that supports the hypothesis. However, I observed some flaws in the qualitative data analysis approach. For instance, it is easy to notice that the quality of research in these papers depends heavily on the researchers' skills hence can be influenced easily by personal idiosyncrasies. Besides, it becomes more difficult to demonstrate and assess rigidity. Additionally, only scientific communities understand most of the qualitative researches. Therefore, the victims affected by the particular issues may not understand the report (Anderson & McFarlane, 2010).
Factors Affecting Health Promotion
Some of the factors affecting disease prevention and health promotion include cultural beliefs, language barriers, social fears and inaccessibility to health care services. For instance, if the expectations or rather health beliefs of the patient do not align with the care provider, there arise barriers to access health services. Some cultures believe such as the Pacific Islanders believe that the oldest member of the extended family is their decision, maker. These decision makers put family interests and honour ahead of individual interests such as treatment therapies. The minors often disagree with the certain recommendations of the physicians and nurses. Other cultures prohibit diagnosis of mental retardation as it lowers the chances of the 'victim' to get married. Some Hispanic communities in the US view illness as the will of God. Native Americans believe that a good health state exists when there lacks balance between natural forces and the sick person. Generally, differences in culture affect the attitude of the patients about medical care and treatment (Anderson & McFarlane, 2010). The quality plus safety of health care is highly dependent on effective communication. Language is a critical barrier to effective communication. One cannot easily identify the extent to which language barrier affects quality health care, but studies reveal that non-English speakers in the US are reluctant to seek health care services. Language barrier prevents patients from accessing significant health prevention information.
Types of Health Care Initiatives and Recommendations
Healthcare systems continue to struggle with rising costs and compromised quality health services. Some organizations around the world have made several trials to fix the gaps in health care provision. For instance, they have shifted attention towards patient-centered systems to provide high-value patient care. NQF (National Quality Forum) has developed strategies such as assessing medical care regularly and reviewing reliability and validity measures. AHRQ (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality) uses external benchmarks as a continual and collaborative strategy for improving the quality of healthcare. Benchmarking helps to identify and compare best healthcare practices. Other organizations asses the availability and accessibility of health resources to reach a broader population (Hunt, 2009). Since my population is the homeless persons, I would recommend a housing initiative to provide shelter to the population. Through this initiative, the number of deaths in this population due to car accidents will reduce significantly. Besides, the incidences of diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis and hepatitis will reduce (Brown, 2013).
Conclusion
It is evident that those who lack shelter are vulnerable to many infectious diseases among other health conditions. Besides, they are unaware of circumstances which put them at greater risk of fatal cases. Unfortunately, most of the previous publications have failed to address initiatives to combat homelessness. By initiating housing programs, the US government will significantly reduce incidences of poor health and deaths (Anderson & McFarlane, 2010).
References
Anderson, E. T., & McFarlane, J. M. (2010). Community as Partner: Theory and Practice in Nursing. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Brown, S. J. (2013). Evidence-Based Nursing: The Research-Practice Connection. Jones & Bartlett.
Hunt, R. (2009). Introduction to Community-Based Nursing. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Ivanov, L. L., & Blue, C. (2008). Public Health Nursing: policy, Politics & Practice. Cengage Learning.
