In:
Das Gesundheitswesen, Georg Thieme Verlag KG, Vol. 84, No. 08/09 ( 2022-08), p. 674-678
Abstract:
Objective There is a lack of studies focusing on the use of health care
facilities by homeless people. The aim of this study was to survey health care use by the homeless. Methods Data were taken from the Hamburg survey of homeless individuals
(n=150, mean age:12,5 years; SD: 12,5 years). Assessment covered details of health insurance status, use of ambulatory and hospital care, medication use,
and reasons for not accessing health services. Results In total, 61,2% of the homeless individuals had health
insurance. About two thirds of homeless individuals (65,9%) had accessed some sort of medical services in the past 12 months. The key reason for not
making use of health services was the absence of any need for treatment (74,6%). In sum, 39,8% of homeless individuals had made at least
one hospital visit in the past 12 months. About one third (34,2%) had used mobile support services (mainly a mobile doctor's office). In
total, 37,7% of homeless individuals took medications regularly, with ‘prices too high’ (63,6%) being the key reason for
difficulties in access to medications. Almost one half of homeless individuals (47,0%) had not made a visit to a physician in the past three
months. Conclusion Additional efforts are required to improve access to health
care by homeless individuals. Future research in this area is therefore necessary.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0941-3790
,
1439-4421
Language:
German
Publisher:
Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Publication Date:
2022
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1101426-X
SSG:
20,1
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