We paid particular attention to the effects of mental health, substance use, residential history, competing needs, and victimization. Persons with at least one study condition were followed longitudinally for up to eight months. In general, more severe homeless status, mental health problems, and substance abuse did not deter homeless individuals from obtaining care. Better health outcomes were predicted by a variety of variables, most notably having a community clinic or private physician as a regular source of care. Generally, use of currently available services did not affect health outcomes.
Homeless persons are willing to obtain care if they believe it is important.
Our findings suggest that case identification and referral for physical health care can be successfully accomplished among homeless persons and can occur concurrently with successful efforts to help them find permanent housing, alleviate their mental illness, and abstain from substance abuse. Official journal of the Academy for Health Services Research and Health Policy. Association for Health Services Research . All rights reserved.