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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Catherine Magee, MPH and Emalie Huriaux, MPH. Women's Community Clinic, 2166 Hayes, San Francisco, CA 94110, 415-379-7800, catiemagee@rcn.com

Background/Significance: Biological and transgender homeless and marginally housed women are at risk for a variety of negative health outcomes, including HIV and sexually transmitted infections. Risk factors for this community include sex work, injection drug use, poverty, race and ethnicity, and the experience of various forms of trauma. These factors create a unique set of requirements for addressing the sexual and reproductive health needs of these women.

Purpose & Methods: In summer 2005, the Women's Community Clinic Outreach Program conducted a community health assessment of services for homeless and marginally housed women in San Francisco's Mission District. The purpose of the assessment was to inform program efforts to address clients' needs and to establish a foundation for an evaluation. The assessment utilized qualitative key informant interviews with service providers in the Mission.

Findings: The assessment data revealed two significant findings. First, despite the diversity of women in the Mission, the experience of trauma factors prominently into their lives. This trauma was characterized as history of childhood sexual abuse, rape, domestic violence, as well as experience in the foster care and prison systems. Second, homeless and marginally housed women are not accessing available services due to: 1) a prioritization of basic needs and survival over primary and preventive care; and 2) the experience of judgment and stigma when attempting to access agencies in their neighborhood. These findings suggest a need for further exploration of homeless women's unique needs and of the potential value of women-centered services in meeting these needs.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Describe how the context of homeless and marginally housed women’s lives contributes to their risk for HIV.
• Demonstrate the barriers to care experienced by this community of women.
• Recognize the value of women-centered services for homeless and marginally housed women.

Keywords: Women's Health, Barriers to Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation