Self-perceived health status of hostel residents: use of the SF-36D health survey questionnaire. Hanover Project Team

Abstract

As part of a project to assess the health needs of homeless people in Sheffield, a survey of hostel residents was undertaken with the aim of measuring self-perceived health and health service use among respondents. The survey instrument incorporated the SF-36D short-form health survey questionnaire. One hundred and four (56 per cent) adult hostel residents responded. Respondents reported high levels of health service use, and poor average perceived health in comparison with the general population. Three-quarters of respondents were identified as being at risk of major depressive illness. There was a strong association between risk of major depression and recent hospital contact, current use of prescribed medication, and low scores on the social function, mental health, energy/vitality, pain and general health dimensions of the SF-36. The implications of these findings are discussed.