Some aspects of the health status of homeless people

Abstract

Abstract40% of homeless people report at least one chronic health problem. Some medical problems are particularly prevalent such as chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, arthritis and musculoskeletal disorders. Trauma is a significant cause of disability and death. Homeless people are predisposed to infections because of their poor physical state and lack of hygiene; hence outbreaks of contagious diseases are more prevalent in the homeless. Tuberculosis is an important health problem among the homeless. Homeless people are at high risk of Key words:Homeless, nutrition, infectious diseases, tuberculosis, trauma, health care, hospitalization, health status, ageing, death. AbstractSpectrum of infections and non-infections diseases among refuges from Syria/Iraq to Hungary/ Austria in September 2015 is analyzed. Respiratory isolates from patients with pneumonia were obtained from respiratory tract secretions and tested for antimicriobial susceptibility. Majority of ID were upper and lower respiratory tract infections, scabies and other skin and soft tissue infections. However, infections represented only about one half of cases seeking medical help -the rest 40-60% were hypertension, exhaustion, depression, diabetes, neuropsychiatric disorders.bloodborne infections and disproportionately suffer from mental illness and substance use disorders. Homelessness negatively impacts child health and development. There are a number of internal and external barriers to providing health care for homeless persons. Hospitalizations are more frequent and they take a longer time. The homeless are not registered with their Doctor and try to get health assistance by using emergency services. They have problems with health system or social insurance. The health status is substantially worse than in other population. Homeless people have a greatly Original Articles 40Clinical social Work and Health Intervention increased risk of death. Problems of providing health care to the homeless depend in every country on the existing health policy and the economy. Insufficient care for homeless people means not only aggravation of their health state but it could have negative impacts on the health of the broader group of people.

Mental health problems as one of the factors in the development and persistence of homelessness

“…It is important to pay attention to a number of studies documenting significant cases of psychiatric disorders and mental illness among the homeless, touching upon depression and anxiety, suicide attempts and emotional problems [13]. However, a very substantial percentage of the homeless with mental illnesses are also dependent on alcohol or drugs [14]. A mental illness primarily affects their thinking as well as their moods and emotions, and also significantly affects their ability to establish and maintain relationships [15].…”

St. Louise Hospital for Marginalized Homeless Population: TB and Other Infectious Diseases are Rare

“…Other major groups of diseases were psychosocial disorders and stress-related diseases such as depression, hypertension, diabetes, asthma which were present in 80-85% of all admissions apart of February (influenza month), where upper respiratory system infections (RTI) were prevalent as similarly described from shelters worldwide (6)(7)(8) or from refugee camps (4).…”

Infectious Diseases Among Imprisoned - Risk factors and Outcomes (Review)

“…Ecto-parasites are sometimes directly linked to sexual behavior, too, but mostly to poor hygiene and infrastructure in some regions. (5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)…”