Exploring Foot Care Conditions for People Experiencing Homelessness: A Community Participatory Approach
Melba Sheila D’Souza, Joyce O’Mahony, Alfred Achoba
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: People experiencing homelessness are faced with complex challenges and are at high risk of illness due to inequities and disparities in access to health care services. OBJECTIVE: To explore the health and foot care problems related to people experiencing homelessness in British Columbia. METHODS: A community participatory research approach was used with a sample of 65 people experiencing homelessness. Data were collected using a survey questionnaire and face-to-face semistructured interviews. RESULTS: Thematic findings shows risk of foot injuries, lack of foot care resources, and absence of family support. Barriers to equitable access to services for most participants experiencing homelessness were lack of housing (76.92%), inability to work (72.31%), and inability to afford the cost of living on their own (63.08%). CONCLUSIONS: There is a pressing need for early screening and detection by health care professionals and enhanced foot care services to reduce foot problems and improve foot care wellness of homeless people. Addressing foot-related care are necessary steps in promoting health, preventing illness, and improving access to health services among people experiencing homelessness.