Keywords
mobile health unit, pressure ulcer, social conditions, health personnel
Abstract
Background: Skin and wound conditions are commonly reported among People Experiencing Homelessness (PEH) due to their transient lifestyle, exposure to harsh weather, unsanitary living conditions, and limited access to hygiene supplies. Common skin disorders include pressure ulcers, venous stasis dermatitis, and skin infection. PEH face barriers to accessing healthcare. Integration of foot cleaning and screening at locations PEH frequent allows providers to address the footcare needs of PEH more effectively.
Methods: Undergraduate students provided basic footcare assessments (cleaning, dressing, and infection prevention) using a simple, validated wound-staging tool. Wound care kits were distributed. Referrals to Mountainlands were given for any suspected wound infections. Footcare was provided at the Food & Care Coalition (F&CC) and Utah County Warming Center.
Results: Of the sixty-nine participants, 39 (56.5%) were screened at the (F&CC) and 30 (43.5%) at the Utah County Warming Center. Nine participants (23%) from the F&CC had at least one wound, with an average of 1.6 wounds per affected individual. Fourteen participants (47%) from the Utah County Warming Center had at least one wound, with an average of 1.9 wounds per affected person. Overall, stage one pressure ulcers were documented in 21 (62%) participants and stage two pressure ulcers in four participants (12%). Thirty-seven (53.6%) participants were referred to Mountainlands for follow-up care.
Discussion: Providing healthcare in places PEH frequently visit enhances relationships of trust and collaboration with healthcare providers. More than half of the participants were referred, suggesting unmet healthcare needs for this population. A mobile health unit that visits PEH weekly to provide healthcare may increase the overall health of PEH.
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Carter, Mariita; Long, DeeDee; and Drake, Rebecca, "Assessing the Prevalence of Foot Wounds in People Experiencing Homelessness (PEH) at the Utah County Warming Centers" (2026). Student Works. 451.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/studentpub/451
Document Type
Master's Project
Publication Date
2026-05-06
Language
English
College
Nursing
Department
Nursing
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