Health promotion lifestyles of women experiencing crises.

Women who are experiencing crisis situations, including homelessness, are often perceived as passive victims of their social, economic, and personal circumstances. A few studies have challenged the stereotype of homeless women as passive victims and demonstrated that they are active in seeking solutions to their problems (Hodnicki, Horner, & Boyle, 1992; Montgomery, 1994; Thrasher & Mowbray, 1995). This study surveyed women receiving assistance at a nurse-managed clinic that serves a homeless population to determine their health promotion strategies. On the basis of this study's findings, health care providers are encouraged to recognize and build on the strengths of women in crises at both the individual and community levels of care.