 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Stacy Elizabeth Swain, MPH, James J. O'Connell, MD, Carolyn Silk, NP, MPH, and Barry Bock, RN. Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, 729 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02118, 617-414-7763, sswain@bhchp.org
Objective: Boston Heath Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP) undertook this study to provide insight into the health needs and barriers to care faced by homeless families placed in road side motels. Methods: Data was obtained through face to face voluntary interview with the adult head of family. Participants were given a $10 phone card as compensation for their time. Results: 60 families were interviewed between February and August 2002, comprising 73 adults and 115 children. 65 % of adults and 56% of children suffered at least one medical condition. 27% of adults expressed concern over the behavior of their child(ren) and nearly half of adults believed that the motels were having a detrimental affect on their child(ren). 92% of children and 77% of adults had a primary care provider though 52% of families reported difficulty accessing primary care because of transportation barriers. 72% of adults were having difficulty providing nutritious meals for their family. Conclusion: Homeless families who are placed in motels face a daunting challenge of managing complex health issues for themselves and their children while at the same time grappling with the instability and isolation of placement in road side motels. Understanding this challenge is vital to informed policy decisions and the effective delivery of health care services.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Homelessness, Homeless Health Care
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.