Use your assessment data from week 3 to identify significant health disparities in your at-risk group. Research and propose recommendations to decrease one of these disparities. Write a 2-page (500-word) paper in the form of a proposal to area leaders to address the disparity in your community. Your proposal should include: A description of the disparity. The disparity influences healthcare delivery. The influences the disparity has on similar populations in other countries and the provision of global healthcare. Recommendations to address the problem. Any graphs or charts in your document that are needed to support your proposal.

Health Disparities – The Homeless Population in Indianapolis

The homeless population in Indianapolis, Indiana, faces many health disparities due to their unique situation. This proposal aims to investigate one of the primary disparities facing this population and propose recommendations to decrease this disparity. Secondly, the influences of this disparity on healthcare delivery, similar populations in other countries, and the provision of global healthcare. Lastly, recommendations to address this problem will be outlined. Hire our assignment writing services if your assignment is devastating you.

Description of the Disparity

Malnutrition is a significant health disparity in the homeless population in Indianapolis, Indiana. The 2019 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) estimated 1,190 homeless individuals in Indianapolis, Indiana. Of this number, 910 were housed in various facilities, while the other 280 remained unsheltered (Bow et al., 2022). Homeless people are particularly vulnerable due to their lack of access to regular meals, leaving them at a greater risk of malnutrition and other health issues. This problem is compounded by many homeless people facing mental illness, chronic substance abuse and addiction, and a lack of access to healthcare services.

Influence on Healthcare Delivery

Malnutrition significantly influences healthcare delivery for the homeless population in Indianapolis. Many homeless people cannot access regular meals, leading to a greater risk of malnutrition and other health issues. Malnutrition can lead to various physical and mental health problems, such as weakened immune systems, increased risk of infection, and mental health issues. This can lead to increased reliance on emergency services, which pressures hospitals’ ability to provide treatment. Furthermore, providing for the needs of persons who are homeless may be expensive since more services and resources are required.

Influence on Similar Populations in Other Countries and the Provision of Global Healthcare

Homeless people in other nations, particularly low- and middle-income countries, suffer from malnutrition. It contributes to these communities’ high illness burden and death rates. Malnutrition and its health consequences are more frequent among homeless than non-homeless people. According to Chong et al., 2023, malnutrition is a key cause of illness and high mortality among homeless communities. According to the research, nations and socioeconomic classes have distinct malnutrition rates. Africa and low SDI nations had the greatest malnutrition-related DALYs, whereas Eastern Mediterranean and moderate SDI countries had the highest obesity-related DALYs (Chong et al., 2023). Global healthcare is essential for homeless malnutrition. Nutritional assistance, medical treatment, and healthy eating instruction are included. Governments must offer enough shelter, food security, and basic services to eliminate malnutrition in homeless people. Public health campaigns targeting vulnerable populations and promoting good nutrition must also be implemented.

Recommendations to Address the Problem

Several steps can be taken to address the problem of malnutrition among the homeless population in Indianapolis, Indiana. Access to regular meals should be improved first and foremost. This can be accomplished by supplying meals to homeless shelters and food pantry gift cards. Additionally, homeless people should have access to healthcare services like addiction treatment and mental health services. Lastly, homeless individuals should have access to work and housing assistance as they might lower the risk of malnutrition.

Conclusion

In Indianapolis, Indiana, there is a huge health gap among the homeless population due to malnutrition. The delivery of healthcare and similar populations in other nations are both significantly impacted by this inequality. Increasing access to regular meals, expanding access to healthcare services, and expanding access to job and housing services are just a few of the steps that can be taken to solve this issue. These suggestions are required to lessen the impact of undernutrition on the homeless population and to enhance their general health.

References

Bow, B., Beebe, G., Arun, N., Cope, J., Lawrence, R., Camacho-Reyes, K., Gibson, A., & Eckert, M. (2022, July 21). Homelessness in Indianapolis: 2022 Marion County Point-in-Time Count. Scholarworks.iupui.edu. https://scholarworks.iupui.edu/handle/1805/29839