Premium
A National Survey of the Oral Health Status of Homeless Veterans
Author(s) -
Gibson Gretchen,
Rosenheck Robert,
Tullner John B.,
Grimes Rebecca M.,
Seibyl Catherine L.,
RiveraTorres Angel,
Goodman Harold S.,
Nunn Martha E.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of public health dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1752-7325
pISSN - 0022-4006
DOI - 10.1111/j.1752-7325.2003.tb03471.x
Subject(s) - medicine , veterans affairs , substance abuse , rehabilitation , family medicine , addiction , oral health , substance use , gerontology , psychiatry , physical therapy
Objectives: This study reports results from a survey designed to (1) assess the oral health needs of a national sample of homeless veterans and (2) compare the dental needs of homeless veterans participating in VA‐sponsored rehabilitation programs with domiciled veterans in VA substance addiction programs. Methods :Homeless veterans enrolled in a nationwide rehabilitation program (n=1,152) completed a survey including questions concerning patients' perceptions of their oral health, dental service needs and use, and alcohol and tobacco use. A sample of these veterans (n=281) subsequently received dental exams. A comparison group of domiciled veterans enrolled in VA substance abuse programs (n=339) completed a similar survey. A sample of these veterans (n=150) also received dental exams. Results: Sociodemographic variables, patient‐reported oral health information and risk behaviors, and findings from dental exams described two remarkably similar populations. Conclusions: As expected, the homeless veterans exhibited poor oral health, but it was not different from domiciled veterans enrolled in substance addiction programs. Lifestyle choices, such as heavy drinking and smoking, may contribute more to poor oral health than living conditions.