In a previous study (reported at APHA in 1998), Kasprow & Rosenheck compared mortality rates in a cohort of homeless veterans (N=6,714) nine years following entry into a Department of Veterans Affairs specialized homeless program to mortality in a cohort of non-homeless veterans (N=1,715) treated in the Department’s specialized PTSD programs. Relative to non-homeless cohort members, higher mortality rates were observed in certain subgroups of the homeless cohort, especially those veterans aged 55 and older, even when salient influences on mortality (e.g., medical problems, employment history, minority status) were controlled in the analyses. The study to be reported at APHA 2000 builds on these findings by adding an analysis of cause of death. Records from the cohort were submitted to the National Death Index, and cause of death was abstracted. Differences among homeless and non-homeless cohort members with respect to cause of death will be presented. Implications for homeless services will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to identify leading causes of death among homeless individuals
Keywords: Mortality, Homelessness
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: funded by the Department of Veteran Affairs and the Epidemiologic Research and Information Center, Durham, NC