Health problems of sheltered homeless children using mobile health services.
McNamee, M J; Bartek, J K; Lynes, D
Why this matters
Children living in family shelters have health needs that may not be visible in service plans built around adults. A review of 175 sheltered homeless children seen by a mobile health van over one year found most were under six years old, and describes their diagnoses, treatments, and referral patterns.
Abstract
Homeless families are an increasing problem in the United States, with children representing 34% of the total homeless population. This retrospective study describes the demographic characteristics and health care problems and concerns of sheltered homeless children who used the services of a mobile health van over a 1-year period in a midwestern metropolitan area. The patterns of utilization, medications prescribed, and referrals are also described. Medical records of 175 sheltered homeless children who sought care from a mobile health van were reviewed. Forty-eight percent of the children were female; 52% were male. The majority were under 6 years of age (15% infants, 22% toddlers, 22% preschoolers, 23% school-age children, and 18% adolescents). The major reasons for seeking health care, the primary diagnoses, and treatments are presented. Recommendations for using a mobile van to provide efficient, quality health care for this population are discussed.