What question did this study set out to answer?

To evaluate the factors associated with health care utilization and perceived barriers to receiving care among homeless persons across the United States.

January 10, 2001JAMA

Factors Associated With the Health Care Utilization of Homeless Persons

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Authors

MKMargot KushelSan Francisco General Hospital

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Implication

Nationally representative survey reveals high acute care reliance among homeless individuals, indicating health insurance significantly improves outpatient access.

Key Points

To evaluate the factors associated with health care utilization and perceived barriers to receiving care among homeless persons across the United States.
Secondary data analysis of the National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients conducted in October and November 1996 among currently homeless individuals (N=2,974) across the United States.
Multivariable logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, medical illness, mental health conditions, and substance abuse to identify determinants of health care service use and access barriers.
Overall, 62.8% of individuals used ambulatory care, 32.2% visited an emergency department, and 23.3% were hospitalized, while 24.6% reported unmet medical needs and 32.1% (of 1,201 prescribed medication) could not comply.
Health insurance was significantly associated with greater ambulatory care visits (OR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.19–5.42) and inpatient hospitalizations (OR, 2.60; 95% CI, 1.16–5.81), as well as lower odds of perceived care barriers (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.15–0.90) and medication noncompliance (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.14–0.85).
Health insurance coverage showed no statistically significant association with emergency department visits (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.47–1.75).

Cite This Study

Margot Kushel (2001) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a1bee9926cb5670aa9d2084 https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.285.2.200

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Implication

Nationally representative survey reveals high acute care reliance among homeless individuals, indicating health insurance significantly improves outpatient access.

Factors Associated With the Health Care Utilization of Homeless Persons

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Factors Associated With the Health Care Utilization of Homeless Persons

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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Also Consider