Women with dependent children who are homeless and living in temporary accommodation: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of their experiences of loss and the barriers to accessing health services

Joomun, Lorraine Shelagh 2019. Women with dependent children who are homeless and living in temporary accommodation: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of their experiences of loss and the barriers to accessing health services. Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

Preview	PDF - Accepted Post-Print Version Download (2MB) | Preview
	PDF (Cardiff University Electronic Publication Form) - Supplemental Material Restricted to Repository staff only Download (1MB)

Abstract

The aim of this thesis was to explore the personal experiences of homeless women with dependent children in accessing healthcare services, whilst residing in temporary accommodation. The research question attempts to understand the perceptions and attitudes of the women in accessing healthcare services for themselves or their children and the barriers that impact and influence their decision making. Methods Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was the chosen methodological stance for this study and supported the phenomenological approach of giving a ‘voice’ to the women in raising their concerns regarding accessibility of healthcare services. Five women with dependent children who were homeless were recruited and face to face interviews were undertaken. The analysis was conducted using the process of descriptive, linguistic and conceptual exploratory commenting. Each transcript was analysed on a case by case basis with a further across case analysis undertaken. Importantly from an interpretative perspective, was to make sense of the women’s experiences using Kubler-Ross’s stages of grief and grieving. The findings revealed the emotional impact that living in temporary accommodation, had on the women’s and children’s health and wellbeing. The isolation and negativities the women faced on a day to day basis and the stigma associated with homelessness. The women identified barriers to accessing healthcare services including appointment notification when frequently mobile and difficulty in accessing repeat prescriptions. The perceived attitudes of healthcare staff and marginalisation by healthcare providers affected their emotional wellbeing. The loss of home, possessions and identity was a new finding within the study and contributed to their feelings of loss and the grief experienced by this sense of loss as supported by the theory of grief and grieving.

Item Type:	Thesis (Other)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Healthcare Sciences
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	3 March 2020
Last Modified:	10 Dec 2022 02:05
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/130082

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item