The mental and physical health characteristics of homeless women in Tucson, Arizona, 2001

This thesis presents a descriptive, exploratory study of homeless women with a sample of 70 subjects individually interviewed from March 1–June 1, 2001. The question investigated was: What are the mental and physical health characteristics of homeless women in Tucson, Arizona? Data were collected using two existing instruments, the El Rio Mental Health Status Exam and the Medical Outcomes Survey SF 36®, combined with open-ended qualitative questions focusing on reasons for homelessness. Eleven agencies participated in this study. Women interviewed included emergency walk-ins, those literally living on the streets, sheltered victims of domestic violence, prisoners in the county jail, and women living in transitional housing. Brief accounts of the life stories of eighteen of the homeless women are included in the Vignette chapter, illustrating the themes and issues of the subpopulations found in the sample. Many women identified their talents, interests, and abilities. Their resilience and strength gave promise to possibilities for a better life. None expressed unwillingness to work. All expressed interest in building a new, more stable future for themselves. (Abstract shortened by UMI.