The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #40280

Nicole M. Ouellette, BS, Research Group on Homelessness and Poverty/Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, 51 West Warren, Detroit, MI 48202, 313-577-0782, Nouellette1975@aol.com and Paul A. Toro, PhD, Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, 71 W. Warren, Detroit, MI 48202.

The present study was designed to assess whether the characteristics and needs of the homeless population have changed over the past decade. In 1993-94, an initial probability sample of 249 homeless adults (ages 18 and up, including those with children) was collected from a wide range of shelters and soup kitchens throughout a large urban county in the Midwest (total 2000 population of 2.1 million). Using identical sampling techniques and measures, we are currently completing interviews with a new probability sample (the analyses reported here are based on the first 158; the final sample available for the APHA meeting will be over 200). Preliminary analyses have indicated significantly (p<.05) higher rates of schizophrenia (6.5% vs. 10.9% based on the Diagnostic Interview Schedule) and higher self-rated psychoticism (based on the Brief Symptom Inventory) in the current sample. Respondents in 2001-02 also were significantly older (36.0 vs. 42.6) and reported more health problems (13.5 vs. 15.9 on the 128-item Physical Health Symptoms Checklist). These findings are consistent with reports of some advocates who have suggested that the needs of the homeless are becoming greater while many services for them (including medical and mental health care) are becoming more difficult to access. Additional results will be presented at the APHA meeting, including comparisons of the needs and characteristics of different key subgroups among the homeless (e.g., the severely mentally ill, substance abusers, those with children) and whether their needs have changed over time.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of this meeting, members of the audience will
• Develop a better understanding of the needs of homeless adults.
• Be able to recognize characteristics of different subgroups among the homeless population(mentally ill, substance abusers, etc.).
• Recognize that services for the homeless are becoming more difficult to access even though homeless people may have a greater need for these services.

Keywords: Homelessness,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.