Health education for homeless populations

There is little reported in the literature regarding evaluation of health education for homeless populations. In a program for health education of the homeless in shelters, volunteer instructors, including nurses, provided classes on health promotion, prevention, and self-care for homeless clients at 13 urban shelters and treatment sites since 1991. Program evaluation was done through a survey of clients (N = 1,202) attending classes. Based on analysis of evaluation results for 18 months, it was found that 50 volunteer instructors, most of whom were nurses, covered 49 health topics in 176 classes. Clients found the classes helpful and expressed preferences for future topics (e.g., stress and self-esteem). Perceived ability to discuss was related to group size and shelter composition (women only vs. women and men). Survey results provided feedback for program development.