HAPI, Healthy and Empowered: A Focus Group Centered Around Improving Health Literacy Among Women Currently Residing at a Homeless and Domestic Violence Center in Milwaukee [ID 1326]

INTRODUCTION: Low health literacy has serious health implications, including risk for medication errors, patient–provider miscommunication, decreased quality of care, and inability to comprehend and access available care options. These implications are exacerbated in homeless populations, who already disproportionately face health care barriers. This study aimed to highlight the experiences of vulnerable populations and elucidate common barriers in the context of women’s health. METHODS: Women currently residing in a homeless and domestic violence shelter were invited to participate in focus groups consisting of open-ended questions about health care experiences, women’s health knowledge, and what they wished they knew about women’s health. Themes from focus group responses were derived using inductive content analysis. Demographic data was also collected. RESULTS: Sixteen women (age 18–64) participated; 81.3% were Black/African American, and 18.8% were multiracial. Education level varied, with 18.8% having completed some college, 56.3% having completed high school/obtained GED, and 25% not having completed high school. Seven themes were identified: 1) exposure to sex education, 2) past experiences with health care providers, 3) dissemination of health information, 4) suggested improvements for women’s health care, and personal experiences regarding knowledge gaps about 5) periods and pregnancy, 6) STIs and general health screenings, and 7) menopause and getting older. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: All participants expressed a desire to know more about their bodies, with some expressing they knew nothing about periods, pregnancy, or menopause until they experienced it themselves. This study emphasizes the need for comprehensive sex education and improved health literacy while highlighting the marginalization of women’s health care, especially for vulnerable populations.