Thirteen percent of homeless patients surveyed in a national study published in the 1980s stated that poor physical health was a factor in their becoming homeless. The problem has become much worse in the last decade, as the number of uninsured Americans continues to increase. The coverage held by many others would not carry them through a catastrophic illness. The rates of both chronic and acute health problems are extremely high among the homeless population. With the exception of obesity, strokes, and cancer, homeless people are far more likely to suffer from every category of chronic health problem.
Many homeless people have multiple health problems.
For example, frostbite, leg ulcers and upper respiratory infections are frequent, often the direct result of homelessness. Homeless people are also at greater risk of trauma resulting from muggings, beatings, and rape. Homelessness precludes good nutrition, good personal hygiene, and basic first aid, adding to the complex health needs of homeless people. In addition, some homeless people with mental disorders may use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate, and those with addictive disorders are also often at risk of HIV and other communicable diseases. Homeless children also experience numerous health problems.