Assessing Impact of Community Health Nurses on Improving Primary Care Use by Homeless/Marginally Housed Persons

J Community Health Nurs. 2015 Jul-Sep;32(3):161-9. doi: 10.1080/07370016.2015.1057082.

Abstract

This study invited a cross-sectional sample of 112 homeless/marginally housed adults in New Haven, CT to respond to a structured survey questionnaire. Seventy-six individuals responded. Among them, 39 (51%) had utilized primary care services during the preceding 2 years. Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, housing status, health insurance status, and self-reported health status found that having utilized primary care services was significantly associated with having regular contact with a community health nurse. This finding indicates that community health nurses may have a significant influence in increasing primary care service utilization by homeless and marginally housed individuals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Connecticut
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Housing
  • Humans
  • Ill-Housed Persons*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nurse's Role*
  • Nurses, Community Health*
  • Primary Health Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Quality Improvement*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires