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01-07-2020 | Original Paper

Medical Comorbidities and Medication Use Among Homeless Adults Seeking Mental Health Treatment

Authors: Elizabeth Mayfield Arnold, Chance R. Strenth, Luke P. Hedrick, Robert C. Paterson, Julian Curiel, Amira E. Joseph, Thomas W. Brown, James N. Kimball

Published in: Community Mental Health Journal | Issue 5/2020

Abstract

Little is known about the medical conditions and medication use of individuals who are homeless and have mental health problems. This study used secondary data (N = 933) from a mental health clinic serving homeless adults. Primary outcomes were the number and types of self-reported medical conditions and medications. About half (52.60%) of participants were taking one or more medications (mean = 1.67; SD = 2.30), most commonly antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants. Most frequently reported medical conditions were headaches/migraines, hypertension, and arthritis with a mean of 3.09 (SD = 2.74) conditions. Age and sex were significant predictors of the number of medical conditions. Age and the length of time homeless were significant predictors of the number of medications taken. Results suggest that those who are older and have been homeless longer appear to be increased risk for health problems and may need more medications to manage these conditions.

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Title: Medical Comorbidities and Medication Use Among Homeless Adults Seeking Mental Health Treatment
Authors: Elizabeth Mayfield Arnold
Chance R. Strenth
Luke P. Hedrick
Robert C. Paterson
Julian Curiel
Amira E. Joseph
Thomas W. Brown
James N. Kimball
Publication date: 01-07-2020
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Community Mental Health Journal / Issue 5/2020
Print ISSN: 0010-3853
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2789
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-020-00552-4

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Medical Comorbidities and Medication Use Among Homeless Adults Seeking Mental Health Treatment

Abstract

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