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Homelessness as a Determinant of Health
Author(s) -
Jackson Marcia Plant,
McSwane David Z.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
public health nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.471
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1525-1446
pISSN - 0737-1209
DOI - 10.1111/j.1525-1446.1992.tb00098.x
Subject(s) - public health , population , population health , phenomenon , social determinants of health , public health nursing , gerontology , environmental health , medicine , nursing , physics , quantum mechanics
The homeless population in the United States is variously estimated at between 350,000 and 2.5 million. Families and children are among the fastest‐growing segments of this population. A combination of social and economic changes occurring nationally have contributed to this phenomenon. Conditions associated with homelessness have a profound effect on the individual's ability to maintain health, to have access to treatment, and to recuperate. Several health problems are specific to the homeless, and have implications for public health practitioners.