• Disease: e.g., HIV, cancer or any chronic health conditions,
• Age groups: e.g., the elderly, children
• Demographics e.g., homeless individuals
• Racial and ethnic minorities,
• low SES populations
• And those without adequate potential access to care (e.g., the uninsured or those without a regular source of care) (NCBI, 2005).
The health domains of vulnerable populations can be divided into 3 categories:
1- Physical, those with physical needs include high-risk mothers and infants, the chronically ill and disabled, and persons living with HIV, chronic medical conditions include respiratory diseases, diabetes, and hypertension.
2-psychological, in the psychological domain, vulnerable populations include those with chronic mental conditions, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, as well as those with a history of alcohol and/or substance abuse and those who are suicidal or prone to homelessness.
3- Social. In the social realm, vulnerable populations include those living in abusive families, the homeless, immigrants, and refugees (AJMC, 2006).
Access Vulnerable populations is limited, Collaborate with community programs to
Share resources and information, know the community (formal and informal) and examine cultural beliefs, norms, and values.
We need to advocate those people because those people cannot taking care of themselves, or protect them from harm or from being exploited. It is our responsibility to demonstrate a priority for attending to the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable persons in society
All persons should have the opportunity to adequately provide for themselves and their families,
Special attention must be paid to the basic health needs of the poor and marginalized. Health care reform
Special