"Stand down for the homeless". Podiatric screening of a homeless population in Cleveland.
Health care for the homeless is a major public health concern. With the rise in antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis, the increase of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diseases, and other health risks, the medical community has begun to recognize the urgency of taking a proactive role in providing care for this population. Lower extremity pathology can result in limb-threatening and, in some cases, life-threatening sequelae for homeless populations. This patient group has limited access to regular hygiene, appropriate shoes, and podiatric medical care. Participation in the "Stand Down for the Homeless" projects provided an opportunity to evaluate the podiatric needs of a homeless population and to project a response to those needs. The authors define and compare this homeless population with the national homeless population, compare the podiatric needs of this homeless populations versus the general population, and respond to those needs.
Robbins
J M
JM
Department of Community Medicine, Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, Cleveland 44106, USA.
Roth
L S
LS
Villanueva
M C
MC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D009820:Ohio; D011032:Podiatry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*