324090
Predictors of VA and Non-VA Health Care Service Use by Homeless Veterans Residing in a Low-Demand Emergency Shelter
This study examined VA and non-VA medical, psychiatric, and substance abuse service use by a randomly-selected sample of 110 veterans recruited from a large, low-demand emergency shelter.
methods
VA and non-VA medical, psychiatric, and substance abuse service use were examined. Screening instruments assessed drug and alcohol problems and physical and mental health functioning. Applying the Anderson and Gelberg models of health service use, logistic regression predicted psychiatric and substance abuse sector service use for VA, non-VA, and both VA and non-VA services from need-based and enabling factors.
results
Service use was predicted by VA provider preference and geographic proximity of services. Many need-based factors predicted service use, but some factors predicted alternate service sector use. Cross-sector referral pathways represented enabling factors that predicted service use. Despite prevalent need, few veterans used substance abuse services.
conclusions
Optimal placement of VA services is an important consideration in the promotion of veteran service use. Referral pathways are potentially facilitative conduits to VA services. Specific service needs must be accurately identified for veterans to receive appropriate services, especially for substance misuse.
Learning Areas:
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programsProvision of health care to the public
Systems thinking models (conceptual and theoretical models), applications related to public health
Learning Objectives:
Compare the use of VA and non-VA health services by veterans residing in a low-demand shelter for people experiencing homelessness.
Identify opportunities to promote the use of medical, substance abuse, and/or mental health services by veterans experiencing homelessness.
Keyword(s): Homelessness, Veterans' Health
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been the principal or co-principal investigator on several research projects investigating the use of health care services by people who are homeless. I have researched a number of special populations of people who are homeless including low-demand shelter dwellers and individuals living unsheltered. I have published my research in professional, peer-reviewed publications and have presented my research at a variety of professional conferences.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.