title: Health problems of sheltered homeless children using mobile health services.
abstract: Homeless families are an increasing problem in the United States, with children representing 34% of the total homeless population. This retrospective study describes the demographic characteristics and health care problems and concerns of sheltered homeless children who used the services of a mobile health van over a 1-year period in a midwestern metropolitan area. The patterns of utilization, medications prescribed, and referrals are also described. Medical records of 175 sheltered homeless children who sought care from a mobile health van were reviewed. Forty-eight percent of the children were female; 52% were male. The majority were under 6 years of age (15% infants, 22% toddlers, 22% preschoolers, 23% school-age children, and 18% adolescents). The major reasons for seeking health care, the primary diagnoses, and treatments are presented. Recommendations for using a mobile van to provide efficient, quality health care for this population are discussed.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: McNamee
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Bartek
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lynes
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006304:Health Status; D018453:Homeless Youth; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008952:Mobile Health Units / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012189:Retrospective Studies