title: Physical health, mental health, and substance abuse problems of shelter users.
abstract: This article summarizes physical health, mental health, and substance abuse problems of users of four of Detroit's largest homeless shelters. Shelter users with mental illness or substance abuse problems were compared with those without these problems. Alcohol abusers were significantly more likely to have low blood pressure, symptoms of liver disease, and a tuberculosis treatment history. No health differences were found for those with or without a history of psychiatric hospitalization. Contrary to expectations, few gender differences were found. Aside from the obvious need for low-income housing, comprehensive and integrated treatment approaches from health care, mental health, and substance abuse agencies are needed to help homeless individuals. Social workers need to become more directly involved in service and policy issues for this vulnerable population.
authors.affiliation: Project WINS, Grand Rapids, MI.
authors.forename: S N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.forename: C T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Mowbray
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Solarz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006291:Health Policy / Q000639:trends; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000639:trends; D006304:Health Status; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008134:Long-Term Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008824:Michigan / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011638:Public Housing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012112:Residential Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012931:Social Environment; D012947:Social Work / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*