REPLY A DISCUSSION:

Arthur

Vulnerable populations face a heightened risk of adverse health outcomes due to social, economic, or environmental factors. Understanding and addressing the needs of these populations are essential for promoting health equity and ensuring effective healthcare delivery. This discussion will compare vulnerable populations, highlighting the example of homeless youth in the United States, explaining their vulnerability, challenges, lack of advocacy, ethical considerations, and the potential benefits of nursing advocacy. One prominent example of a vulnerable population is homeless youth. In the United States, it is estimated that approximately 4.2 million individuals under the age of 25 experience homelessness each year (Arora et al., 2015). Homeless youth face numerous challenges, including a lack of stable housing, limited access to education and healthcare, increased risk of substance abuse, mental health issues, and involvement in criminal activities (Arora et al., 2015). The designation of homeless youth as vulnerable stems from their exposure to a combination of risk factors that significantly impact their health and well-being.

Homeless youth often lack the means to advocate for themselves due to their marginalized status and limited resources. They may hesitate to seek help due to fear of judgment or stigmatization, further exacerbating their vulnerability. When working with homeless youth, ethical considerations involve autonomy, informed consent, and ensuring their privacy and dignity are respected (Robbins et al., 2020). Nursing advocacy plays a crucial role in addressing the needs of homeless youth. Nurses can advocate by providing culturally sensitive care, ensuring access to healthcare services, and connecting them to appropriate resources such as shelters, food programs, and educational opportunities. Advocacy efforts can also involve collaborating with policymakers to create supportive policies and programs that address the root causes of homelessness among youth.