Comparing Unsheltered and Sheltered Homeless: Demographics, Health Services Use and Predictors of Health Services Use.

Secondary data obtained through the 2015 point-in-time homelessness count and an administrative health care utilization database was used to identify differences in demographic characteristics, health service use, and predictors of health service use among people experiencing unsheltered and sheltered homelessness. Compared to sheltered participants, unsheltered participants had higher proportions of males and Caucasians, were younger, were more likely to use any type of health service and ED services, and used significantly more of any health service and ED and outpatient services. Results also confirm that health services utilization is a complex phenomenon predicted by a variety of predisposing, enabling, and need-related factors, including mental health problems.

A Pilot Study Using Mixed GPS/Narrative Interview Methods to Understand Geospatial Behavior in Homeless Populations.

Tracking the movements of homeless populations presents methodological difficulties, but understanding their movements in space and time is needed to inform optimal placement of services. This pilot study developed, tested, and refined methods to apply global positioning systems (GPS) technology paired with individual narratives to chronicle the movements of homeless populations. Detail of methods development and difficulties encountered and addressed, and geospatial findings are provided.

Predictors of VA and Non-VA Health Care Service Use by Homeless Veterans Residing in a Low-Demand Emergency Shelter.

When given a choice between VA and non-VA outpatient services, significantly more veterans chose to use VA medical and psychiatric services, but outpatient substance abuse-related services were used equally.

Deep in the heart of Texas: A phenomenological exploration of unsheltered homelessness.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to develop an in-depth understanding of the experience of unsheltered homelessness in Fort Worth, Texas. Eighteen individuals participated in the study; 13 were full-time residents of Fort Worth and 5 were traveling through the area via freight train. All reported long-term histories of unsheltered homelessness.

Characteristics and service use of homeless veterans and nonveterans residing in a low-demand emergency shelter.

Objectives: This study examined use of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and non-VA services and predictors of service use among veterans and nonveterans who resided in a low-demand emergency shelter.

Do official hospitalizations predict medical vulnerability among the homeless?: a postdictive validity study of the vulnerability index.

The current study tested the postdictive validity of the Vulnerability Index (VI), an instrument used to assess medical vulnerability among people who are homeless. It also examined the relationship between hospitalization records and self-reported health status. The VI is based on self-reports of hospital utilization and chronic health conditions.