摘要:Context: Homeless individuals have comparatively poorer health, however few gender specific assessments exist. Purpose: This cross-sectional survey of homeless individuals assesses gender-specific health needs. Procedure: 68 Homeless adults were surveyed at a shelter from March to April, 2015 in Iowa City, IA. Descriptive statistics were computed to compare gender-subgroup responses. Main Findings: The study population was predominately male (45, 67.2%), white (37, 54.4%), and averaged 42.35 years old (range 21-74). Males were more likely to be veterans (13, 28.9% vs. 1, 4.5%, p=0.025). Women were more likely to have dependents (9, 47.4% vs. 1, 4%, p=0.001) and access to dental coverage (16, 80% vs. 12, 30.8%, p=0.001). Similar rates of chronic disease, primary care access, and unmet health needs were noted. Conclusions: Homeless women and men have unique needs and would benefit from gender-specific health interventions. Resources for child-care may be important for women who are homeless, while dental health care may be particularly beneficial for men.
关键词:Homeless health; underserved medicine; health inequalities; women’s health; men’s health; unmet health needs