Health problems of sheltered homeless men using a mobile health van: a 4-year study

Abstract

The number of homeless persons in the United States is increasing on an annual basis, with men accounting for the greatest number. Accessing health care for this group is difficult for many reasons, particularly those related to finances, transportation, lack of insurance, and transiency of lifestyle. Consequently, data regarding homeless men's health problems/concerns are difficult to obtain, and often the information reported is only for acute care services provided by emergency rooms and clinics. The purpose of this study was to determine the demographic characteristics and health problems/concerns of sheltered homeless men using the services of a mobile van for health care over a 4-year period. A total of 2,086 records, representing 1,171 men aged 19 and over, were retrospectively reviewed to determine demographic and health characteristics (age, sex, self-reported medical and addiction histories, and self-reported medication use). Data on presenting concerns, diagnoses, visit patterns, treatments, medications and teaching provided were also collected and analyzed. Recommendations to improve the quality, continuity, and follow-up of care for homeless men are included.