A Population-Based Assessment of the Health of Homeless Families in New York City, 2001–2003

Authors:
  • JBJay Bainbridge
    Jay Bainbridge
  • JKJoseph Kennedy
    Joseph Kennedy
  • YBYussef Bennani
    Yussef Bennani
  • TATracy Agerton
    Tracy Agerton
  • DMDova Marder
    Dova Marder
  • LFLisa Forgione
    Lisa Forgione
  • AFAndrew Faciano
    Andrew Faciano
  • LTLorna E. Thorpe
    Lorna E. Thorpe
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Objectives. We compared estimated population-based health outcomes for New York City (NYC) homeless families with NYC residents overall and in low-income neighborhoods. Methods. We matched a NYC family shelter user registry to mortality, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and blood lead test registries maintained by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (2001–2003). Results. Overall adult age-adjusted death rates were similar among the 3 populations. HIV/AIDS and substance-use deaths were 3 and 5 times higher for homeless adults than for the general population; only substance-use deaths were higher than for low-income adults. Children who experienced homelessness appeared to be at an elevated risk of mortality (41.3 vs 22.5 per 100 000; P < .05). Seven in 10 adult and child deaths occurred outside shelter. Adult HIV/AIDS diagnosis rates were more than twice citywide rates but comparable with low-income rates, whereas tuberculosis rates were 3 times higher than in both populations. Homeless children had lower blood lead testing rates and a higher proportion of lead levels over 10 micrograms per deciliter than did both comparison populations. Conclusions. Morbidity and mortality levels were comparable between homeless and low-income adults; homeless children's slightly higher risk on some measures possibly reflects the impact of poverty and poor-quality, unstable housing.

This publication has 15 references indexed in Scilit: