Keywords

family and community health, healthcare needs, underserved

 

Authors

  1. Alverson, Elise M. MSN, APRN,BC
  2. Kessler, Theresa A. PhD, APRN,BC

Abstract

This descriptive study examines the health concerns that underserved individuals have for their family and community. Of 82 subjects completing a self-report instrument, 29% reported specific health needs for their community and 20% reported health needs for their family. Their major concerns for the community included acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and human immunodeficiency virus; their major concerns for the family related to heart disease and diabetes. Study subjects were mostly concerned with healthcare needs facing specific individuals within their family and community. Results indicated that subjects had difficulty focusing on broader health concerns because of the multiple constraints of being underserved and uninsured.