Work

Predictors of Overnight and Emergency Treatment among Homeless Adults

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: High usage of emergency treatment and hospitalization has been reported among homeless individuals. Hence, this study aimed to identify the sociodemographic predictors associated with overnight and emergency hospital treatment among a sample of homeless adults. Participants were recruited from a shelter in Dallas, Texas (N = 354; Mage = 43.7 ± 11.7) and were predominantly uninsured, low-income men from various racial groups. The outcome variables were: (a) stayed overnight for treatment in a hospital; and (b) treated in a hospital emergency room. In logistic regression models, sex emerged as the only predictor of overnight treatment in a hospital (OR = 2.68, 95% CI = 1.61-4.47), and treatment in an emergency room (OR = 2.21, 95% CI = 1.34-3.65), such that women were more likely than men to be treated overnight and use emergency care. Targeted interventions and policies are needed to address homeless women's primary care needs and reduce costlier treatment.

Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124271

Authors: Chisom Iwundu, Pooja Agrawal, Michael Businelle, Darla Kendzor, Lorraine Reitzel

Institutions: University of North Texas, University of Houston, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Language: English

Topic: Homelessness and Social Issues

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, Gender equality

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,429