Articles tagged with Homelessness
A study of over 800 hospitals found that people experiencing incarceration or homelessness had increased COVID-19 hospitalization rates and longer hospital stays compared to the general population. This highlights the vulnerable status of these groups during the pandemic.
A study published by UC San Diego researchers found that heat waves significantly increase emergency room visits among people experiencing homelessness. The study highlights the need for heat action plans to protect vulnerable populations from extreme weather conditions.
A Chicago study found that providing individual hotel rooms and medical support to high-risk homeless individuals reduced SARS-CoV-2 infection rates by 75% compared to citywide rates in shelters. The intervention also led to improvements in health measures such as blood pressure and glycemic control, with over half of participants movi...
A new study from the University of the Basque Country found that social interaction and contact with family members have a significant positive impact on homeless people's perception of their health. Conversely, longer periods of homelessness and reduced social connections are associated with poorer health perceptions.
A year-long study found that few veterans were able to obtain permanent housing despite living near the region's major VA service center. The study highlights the need for outreach efforts to be expanded to engage unhoused veterans, with mobile services potentially being a key solution.
A new study at Boston Medical Center found that individuals experiencing unstable housing and homelessness are more likely to be re-infected with SARS-CoV-2 due to increased exposure. Despite having antibodies from the first infection, individuals in unstable housing were still at a higher risk of re-infection.
Overdose deaths involving cocaine or methamphetamine increased triply in the shadow of the opioid epidemic. Most fatal overdoses (70%) involved multiple substances, with most being opioids and stimulants. The study highlights disparities in overdose risk from stimulants among Black veterans and rural residents.
A study found that climate change increased the probability of heavy rainfall by 70% in Brazil's Minas Gerais state, leading to severe flooding, deaths, and massive damage. The extreme event caused over 90,000 people to be temporarily homeless and resulted in significant economic losses.
The study will assess the impact of environmental and economic interventions on health and well-being in predominantly Black neighborhoods. Researchers will enroll 720 adults, half receiving the proposed interventions, and evaluate their overall health and wellbeing, as well as violent crime rates.
Residents in states that lifted eviction moratoria had a higher risk of receiving a COVID-19 diagnosis 12 weeks later compared to those with still-active moratoria. The association grew stronger over time, especially among individuals with pre-existing medical conditions and lower socioeconomic status.
The need for public engagement on menstrual health is emphasized by a commentary in JAMA, highlighting the importance of sufficient funding and research. Menstrual equity is recognized as a human rights and public health issue with significant disparities affecting schoolgirls, women, and those experiencing homelessness.
A new study from Simon Fraser University found that nearly 60% of people experiencing homelessness and serious mental illness in Metro Vancouver have had a criminal conviction. The study identified factors associated with criminal convictions, including irregular income assistance payments, drug addiction, and psychiatric hospitalization.
Researchers found that hotels providing accommodation to homeless individuals generated greater positive word-of-mouth, while those supporting healthcare workers had little impact. The study suggests that showing concern for social welfare is a key factor in attracting tourists.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that public toilets in Manhattan do not meet the needs of women experiencing homelessness, with limited access to resources and safety issues. The research highlights the need for improved menstrual hygiene management and accessibility in public facilities.
A team of researchers, led by Sanmay Das from George Mason University, is exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to develop novel methods for allocating scarce housing support to at-risk households. The goal is to improve service system outcomes and prevent homelessness, while ensuring fairness and equity.
New research from the University of Georgia shows that foster care and homelessness create significant barriers to higher education success. Stable housing and financial support are top concerns for these students. Institutions like UGA are implementing programs to address this issue, but more needs to be done at the federal level.
A team of UBC Okanagan researchers investigated the impact of pandemics on homeless populations, revealing a mortality rate five to 10 times higher compared to the general population. The study identified six key themes that affect the homeless, including education and outreach, screening and contact tracing, and treatment adherence.
A new study developed by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin provides a method for public health planning authorities to calculate the number of COVID-19 isolation beds needed for people experiencing homelessness. The study helps cities ensure they have sufficient resources to protect populations in future disease outbreaks.
A Trinity College study found people homeless in their 20s-40s experience high levels of physical and mobility problems, with only one-third able to climb hospital stairs. The study suggests that targeted health and accommodation services are necessary for this vulnerable group.
Veterans who received temporary financial assistance for housing had fewer hospital visits and an average reduction in health care costs of $2,800 over two years compared to those who did not receive the benefit. This model could help better serve homeless Americans, including non-veterans.
Researchers from Dell Medical School propose using blockchain to manage identities of people experiencing homelessness, providing secure access to critical services. The technology has shown promise in establishing an identity system for those in need, improving their ability to navigate complex bureaucracies.
A study of nearly 35,000 participants found that financial strain is a significant predictor of future homelessness, with severe mental illness also being a major risk factor. The research suggests that addressing financial well-being could be a key component in preventing homelessness.
A novel COVID-19 recuperation unit was established at a large safety-net hospital, providing isolation, quarantine, and treatment for substance use. This intervention reduced hospitalization rates among people experiencing homelessness with COVID-19.
A randomized clinical trial found that participants experiencing homelessness and alcohol use disorder showed significant improvements in reducing drinking and improving health through behavioral harm reduction treatment. The study suggests that traditional abstinence-based treatment may not be effective for this population.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that a recuperation unit for COVID-19 patients experiencing homelessness reduced hospitalizations by 28% at Boston Medical Center. The unit provided a safe space for patients to isolate and recover, helping to alleviate strain on hospitals during surge situations.
A hotel-based isolation and quarantine strategy can deliver integrated medical and behavioral health support safely outside hospital settings. This approach significantly reduces the risk of COVID-19 transmission among people experiencing homelessness during the pandemic.
A recent study of homeless preschoolers found that strong teacher-child relationships are crucial in predicting healthy behaviors and emotional well-being. The study discovered that 70% of children were well-adjusted and exhibited positive behaviors, while the remaining 30% struggled with behavioral challenges.
A modeling study found daily symptom screening with PCR testing in nonhospital care sites significantly reduces COVID-19 infections and lowers healthcare costs. The study associated this intervention with substantial decreases in infections across various epidemic scenarios.
A 48-year-old man with chest pain and body lice infestation was diagnosed with trench fever, a bacterial infection that can lead to endocarditis. Physicians should consider Bartonella quintana infection in unwell patients with a history of body lice infestation, given its association with homelessness.
A new study from the University of Utah finds that people experiencing homelessness are exposed to high levels of air pollution, particularly those sleeping outdoors at night. The researchers also discovered that sheltered and unsheltered individuals experience similar negative health outcomes associated with air pollution.
A comprehensive study from UNC Charlotte shows that the Housing First program successfully housed over 1,000 people in Charlotte, reducing trauma, mental illness, and substance use. The program also had a significant impact on the community, decreasing emergency shelter visits and arrests.
The University of Texas at San Antonio's Bexar County Fostering Educational Success Housing First Project aims to address critical housing needs of at least 25 students pursuing college degrees each year. The program provides rental assistance, wrap-around support, and educational resources for 12-24 months to support degree completion.
Mantis shrimps surveyed burrows before evicting rivals, with the ideal burrow size found to be a balance between being large enough to fit into and small enough to block entry. The species, known for their powerful strikes, compromise on burrow size when faced with occupied homes.
A new George Mason University study found that supersized alcopops are linked to higher levels of hostility and risk-taking among adults on probation who experience homelessness or gang affiliation. The research calls for better regulation of these products to reduce dangerous alcohol consumption.
A study highlights the dual burden of menstruation and homelessness among homeless New Yorkers, who face stigma and lack of access to basic necessities. The research emphasizes the need for improved bathroom quality, supply, and accessibility, as well as easier access to bathing and laundering services.
Research suggests that UK's COVID-19 preventive measures have prevented hundreds of deaths among homeless people in the country. The measures, including hotel room accommodation and infection control, were estimated to have avoided over 21,000 infections, 266 deaths, and 1164 hospital admissions.
A study of Seattle-area homeless shelters found a need to provide routine viral testing outside clinical settings to identify new cases and prevent spread. The results suggest that crowded conditions, communal sleeping, and shared hygiene facilities can foster transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
Bentley University researchers are exploring ways to minimize recidivism among the homeless, with a focus on data-driven approaches. The team will leverage partnerships with community organizations and government agencies to develop analytical models and improve triage efforts at shelters.
A new study by McGill University finds that housing homeless people with severe mental illness is more cost-effective than housing those with moderate needs. The Housing-First approach generates significant savings, with costs reduced by up to two-thirds for individuals with severe mental illness.
A new AI algorithm can identify environmental and psychological factors that contribute to substance abuse among homeless youth, allowing for personalized rehabilitation programs. The model, developed by Penn State researchers, found adverse childhood experiences and PTSD to be strong predictors of substance use disorder.
Researchers from Bentley University explored a new approach to triage practices at homeless shelters, demonstrating the need for customizing work processes. The study employed an emerging technique called CMMN, which shows promise in supporting humanitarian settings.
A new study found that homeless patients are more likely to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days due to chronic diseases and limited access to medical care. The study, conducted across three states, revealed a 17% combined 30-day readmission rate among homeless patients compared to 14% among housed individuals.
Researchers found that homeless patients with influenza were 9% more likely to be admitted from the emergency department and 58% more likely to be put on ventilators compared to other patients. The study highlights the importance of infection control among the homeless population, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
University of Stirling-led projects aim to reduce risk of infection among informal carers and support workers. The apps will provide peer support, learning resources, and minimize feelings of isolation.
A new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reveals that veterans often become homeless years after leaving the military, with a significant 'sleeper effect' delayed onset. Chronic medical and psychiatric conditions take time to develop, increasing the risk of homelessness over subsequent years.
A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that homeless patients admitted with a heart attack often received less treatment, had longer hospital stays, and were more likely to be readmitted. These patients also faced unique challenges due to high rates of mental illness, substance abuse, and HIV infections.
The Homeless Health Research Network releases evidence-based clinical guidelines to address the changing homeless population in Canada. The guidelines focus on integrating housing, healthcare, and social services for vulnerable populations, including Indigenous peoples.
A new clinical guideline aims to inform clinicians about evidence-based interventions to treat homeless and precariously housed people. The guideline recommends integrating housing support, income assistance, case management, opioid agonist therapy, and harm-reduction services to address the complex needs of vulnerable populations.
A new guideline aims to address Indigenous homelessness through four broad protocols: situating oneself, visiting, hospitality, and treating others with respect. The guidelines emphasize the importance of inter-relationality and community-based approaches to support Indigenous peoples experiencing homelessness.
A survey of 1,923 NC State students found that nearly 10% experienced homelessness and over 14% struggled with food insecurity in the previous 30 days. The study highlights the need for institutions to address these challenges and provide support services for students facing housing and food insecurity.
A recent study published in Nature Communications found that individuals who believe in a fair economic system exhibit reduced negative emotions when confronted with poverty, homelessness, or extreme wealth. The research suggests that system-justifying beliefs buffer against aversion to inequality, allowing people to better cope with e...
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago report that hospital visits associated with homelessness have tripled since 2011. Their findings show that annual conservative estimates of homelessness using hospital-based data have exceeded HUD estimates since 2016.
Researchers have developed an algorithm capable of identifying who in a social group would be the best persons to be trained as 'gatekeepers' capable of recognizing warning signs of suicide. The tool aims to improve efficiency of suicide prevention trainings for vulnerable populations, such as homeless youth.
A systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that one in two homeless people have experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in their lifetime, with almost one in four experiencing moderate or severe TBI. The findings highlight the need for healthcare workers to be aware of the burden of TBI in this population.
A new study published in The Lancet Public Health estimates that one in two homeless people experience a head injury, with moderate or severe injuries affecting nearly a quarter. The research suggests providing stable housing may lower the risk of traumatic brain injury for this vulnerable group.
A study found striking disparities in in-hospital care and mortality between homeless and non-homeless adults hospitalized for urgent cardiovascular conditions. Homeless patients were significantly less likely to receive important diagnostic or therapeutic procedures and generally had higher in-hospital death rates compared to non-home...
A study examined hospital care disparities among homeless and non-homeless adults hospitalized for cardiovascular conditions in New York, Massachusetts, and Florida. The analysis found that homeless patients experienced lower procedure rates and higher in-hospital death rates.
A research team led by WPI professors will use data analytics and optimization to identify resources for homeless youths in NYC, aiming to disrupt human trafficking networks. The project aims to reduce vulnerability and costs while maximizing benefits for rehabilitated lives.
The Housing First model significantly reduces homelessness in the long term, especially for those with high needs for mental health support services. After six years, participants in the Housing First group had stable housing an average of 85% of the time.
A survey of European citizens found a majority (58%) hold positive attitudes towards homelessness, while 30% have negative views. Positive attitudes were more common among urban residents and those who support homeless individuals.