Identifying the health service needs of homeless adults with physical disabilities

• Published in: Public health (London) Vol. 127; no. 8; pp. 785 - 787
• Main Authors: Kehn, M.E, Ho, P.-S, Kroll, T
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2013
• Subjects: Adult; Adults; Arthritis; Diabetes; Diet; Disabled; Disabled Persons - statistics & numerical data; Female; Health; Health care; Health policy; Health services; Homeless people; Homeless Persons - statistics & numerical data; Homelessness; Humans; Infectious Disease; Internal Medicine; Male; Middle Aged; Mobility; Needs Assessment; Population; Qualitative Research; United States; USA
• ISSN: 0033-3506; 1476-5616
• DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2013.01.011

While the exact number of homeless people in the USA is unknown, estimates suggest that nearly 700,000 people meet the federal definition of homelessness, which is to 'lack a fixed, regular and adequate night-time residence'. Previous research has shown that the health of a homeless individual is jeopardized by poor conditions of homeless shelters, lack of an adequate diet, unsafe conditions of street life, and the inevitable stress of coping with so many competing needs. The Interagency Council on the Homeless reported that 46% of homeless individuals have chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis or other forms of chronic disabling conditions. The fact that a disproportionate number of homeless individuals have one or more disabling conditions suggests that individuals with disabilities face an increased possibility of becoming homeless and experiencing a myriad of barriers when accessing healthcare services. However, much of the existing research on homelessness has focused on the general homeless population, and there is very little published research on homeless adults with mobility impairments. Homeless individuals with mobility impairments requiring the use of a mobility device, such as a wheelchair or cane, may face unique barriers in their quest for healthcare services. The aims of this study were to characterize the health and function of adults with mobility impairments living in homeless shelters, determine their health service needs, and identify any barriers to receipt of necessary healthcare services. [Copyright Elsevier B.V.]