Abstract
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the health status of the homeless population who utilize a free clinic. The study
specifically aims to compare the prevalence of asthma, diabetes, tuberculosis, mental health disorders, sexually transmitted
diseases, sinus problems, and hepatitis among the homeless population. Investigators collected data from paper medical records
during patient visits from 2004 to 2009. Diagnosed health conditions among the homeless population were compared to the general
clinic users using logistic regression. There were several similarities between the general clinic and homeless population,
however, the homeless population had statistically significant (p < 0.05) outcomes for diagnosed cases of tuberculosis, hepatitis, anxiety, and bipolar disorders. Prevalence of diabetes,
sinus problems, asthma, diabetes, and depression were similar among both populations. The odds ratios among hepatitis, tuberculosis,
STDs, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorder indicated the homeless had a significantly greater risk of developing hepatitis,
tuberculosis, and bipolar disorder. This study adds to the literature by illustrating the characteristics of the homeless
population who utilize the free health clinic and their medical conditions. Previous studies have shown the free clinic clients
have a lower level of health than the general population. This study finds that the homeless clients of a free clinic have
an even worse level of health than the general clinic clients. This research can contribute to the improvement of the healthcare
delivery system in providing access to needed health care services for the homeless population.
specifically aims to compare the prevalence of asthma, diabetes, tuberculosis, mental health disorders, sexually transmitted
diseases, sinus problems, and hepatitis among the homeless population. Investigators collected data from paper medical records
during patient visits from 2004 to 2009. Diagnosed health conditions among the homeless population were compared to the general
clinic users using logistic regression. There were several similarities between the general clinic and homeless population,
however, the homeless population had statistically significant (p < 0.05) outcomes for diagnosed cases of tuberculosis, hepatitis, anxiety, and bipolar disorders. Prevalence of diabetes,
sinus problems, asthma, diabetes, and depression were similar among both populations. The odds ratios among hepatitis, tuberculosis,
STDs, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorder indicated the homeless had a significantly greater risk of developing hepatitis,
tuberculosis, and bipolar disorder. This study adds to the literature by illustrating the characteristics of the homeless
population who utilize the free health clinic and their medical conditions. Previous studies have shown the free clinic clients
have a lower level of health than the general population. This study finds that the homeless clients of a free clinic have
an even worse level of health than the general clinic clients. This research can contribute to the improvement of the healthcare
delivery system in providing access to needed health care services for the homeless population.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-6
- DOI 10.1007/s10900-012-9598-0
- Authors
- Stephen J. Notaro, Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois, 2005 Huff Hall, MC 588, 1206 S. Fourth St., Champaign, IL 61820, USA
- Marium Khan, Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2021 Huff Hall, MC 588, 1206 S. Fourth St., Champaign, IL 61820, USA
- Christina Kim, Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2021 Huff Hall, MC 588, 1206 S. Fourth St., Champaign, IL 61820, USA
- Mohammad Nasaruddin, Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2021 Huff Hall, MC 588, 1206 S. Fourth St., Champaign, IL 61820, USA
- Kinary Desai, Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2021 Huff Hall, MC 588, 1206 S. Fourth St., Champaign, IL 61820, USA
- Journal Journal of Community Health
- Online ISSN 1573-3610
- Print ISSN 0094-5145