Physical Health, mental Health, and Substance Abuse Problems of Shelter Users

Abstract

This article summarizes physical health, mental health, and substance abuse problems of users of four of Detroit's largest homeless shelters. Shelter users with mental illness or substance abuse problems were compared with those without these problems. Alcohol abusers were significantly more likely to have low blood pressure, symptoms of liver disease, and a tuberculosis treatment history. No health differences were found for those with or without a history of psychiatric hospitalization. Contrary to expectations, few gender differences were found. Aside from the obvious need for low-income housing, comprehensive and integrated treatment approaches from health care, mental health, and substance abuse agencies are needed to help homeless individuals. Social workers need to become more directly involved in service and policy issues for this vulnerable population.

Perspectives of homeless people on their health and health needs priorities

“…Despite the diversity among participants in age, ethnicity, education and gender, common themes emerged from the data. Their physical illnesses were similar to those identified in other studies investigating the health status of homeless populations (Harris et al. 1994, Hwang et al.…”

“…Despite the diversity among participants in age, ethnicity, education and gender, common themes emerged from the data. Their physical illnesses were similar to those identified in other studies investigating the health status of homeless populations (Harris et al 1994, Hwang et al 1999, Hwang 2000, 2001, Hwang et al 2003, Bryant 2004, O'Connell 2004, Sunnak 2004, Frankish et al 2005, Shapcott 2005, Raphael 2006). They consisted of arthritis, seizure disorders, breathing problems, tuberculosis and cardio-vascular diseases.…”

Alcoholism and somatic comorbidity among homeless people in Mannheim, Germany

“…Nevertheless, they confirm a strong correlation between alcoholism and somatic disorders (Holohan 2000). Harris, Mowbray & Solarz (1994) found among Detroit's shelter users that alcohol abusers were significantly more likely to have low blood pressure, symptoms of liver disease and a history of treatment for tuberculosis. Among the male homeless in Tokyo, Japan, the comorbidity of alcoholic psychosis/ alcohol-dependent syndrome and both liver disease and pulmonary tuberculosis was significantly more frequent than in the normal population (Takano et al .…”

Whose Hands Reach Out to the Homeless? Patterns of Helping Among High and Low Communally Oriented Individuals

“…There are homeless people in every United States city, and in addition to having no place to live, they have great difficulty obtaining basic requirements such as nutrition and health care (O'Connell, Lozier, & Gingles, 1997). The homeless themselves cite critical needs such as housing, income, employment, mental health care, and substanceabuse clinics (Harris, Mowbray, & Solarz, 1994;Herman, Struening, & Barrow, 1994;Sosin, Schwingen, & Yamaguchi, 1993).…”