title: Use of a mobile health van by a vulnerable population: homeless sheltered women.
abstract: Little is known about the health status of homeless women. In this study, we examined the health problems of and services provided to sheltered, homeless, Midwestern women who used a mobile health van. Our objectives were to document these women's ages, self-reported past medical histories, self-reported histories of addictions and hospitalizations, presenting concerns, diagnoses, and visit patterns. To this end, we performed a retrospective review of the 689 records of 408 women who had sought care during a 3-year period. The data were divided into three groups, representing women ages 15-25 (n = 111), 26-40 (n = 211), and 41-70 (n = 86). In all three age groups, respiratory disorders were most frequently treated. Preventive health maintenance concerns were also major concerns of all age groups. Recommendations for improving the quality, continuity, and follow-up of care are offered.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: McGee
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Morgan
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: McNamee
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Bartek
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006304:Health Status; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008952:Mobile Health Units / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014932:Women's Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*