title: Increased risk for substance use and health-related problems among homeless veterans.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The first aim of this study was to compare self-reported causes of homelessness between veterans and nonveterans. A second aim examined whether homeless male veterans were more likely than homeless male nonveterans to experience current problems with addictions, mental health, and physical health. Additionally, a third aim was to compare frequency of emergency room visits and treatment needs between the two groups.
  
  
  METHODS
  Secondary data analyses compared male homeless veterans and nonveterans (N = 353) enrolled in the Alachua County Point in Time study in central Florida. Participants completed a questionnaire on demographics and health variables. Additional questions included recent emergency room visits and medical or other needs not being met.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Veterans reported higher rates of substance use and mental health problems as a primary cause of homelessness when compared to nonveterans. Homeless veterans were more likely than nonveterans to report current problems with addictions (OR = 6.29, 95% CI: 3.43-11.53, p < .001), mental health problems (OR = 4.12, 95% CI: 2.28-7.42, p < .001), and physical problems (OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.08-3.67, p < .01). Finally, over half of homeless veterans (53.1%) reported an ER visit in the past year compared to only 40.9% of nonveterans (OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.07-2.80, p < .05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Veterans may be more likely to become homeless due to addiction and mental health and over half of homeless veterans are presenting to hospital emergency rooms. Given the greater utilization among homeless veterans, emergency rooms may serve as a prime opportunity to provide brief treatment and referrals for needed services.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
authors.forename: Eugene M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Dunne
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
authors.forename: Larry E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Burrell
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
authors.forename: Allyson D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Diggins
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
authors.forename: Nicole Ennis
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Whitehead
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, Bronx, New York.
authors.forename: William W
authors.initials: WW
authors.lastname: Latimer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005431:Florida / Q000453:epidemiology; D006304:Health Status; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*