Increased risk for substance use and health‐related problems among homeless veterans. (11th September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dunne, Eugene M.; Burrell, Larry E.; Diggins, Allyson D.; Whitehead, Nicole Ennis; Latimer, William W.
• Is Part Of: American journal on addictions. Volume 24:Number 7(2015)
• Page Start: 676
• Page End: 680
• Publication Date: 2015-09-11
• Subjects: Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Substance abuse -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 616.86005
• DOI: 10.1111/ajad.12289
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1055-0496

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="ajad12289-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background and Objectives</title> <p>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.</p> </sec> <sec id="ajad12289-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>Secondary data analyses compared male homeless veterans and nonveterans (<italic>N</italic> = 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.</p> </sec> <sec id="ajad12289-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>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, <italic>p</italic> < .001), mental health problems (OR = 4.12, 95% CI: 2.28–7.42, <italic>p</italic> < .001), and physical problems (OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.08–3.67, <italic>p</italic> < .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, <italic>p</italic> < .05).</p> </sec> <sec id="ajad12289-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion and Scientific Significance</title> <p>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. (Am J Addict 2015;XX:1–5)</p> </sec> </abstract>