Fischer P J, Breakey W R
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD.
Am Psychol. 1991 Nov;46(11):1115-28. doi: 10.1037//0003-066x.46.11.1115.
This article describes recent research on the prevalence of alcohol, drug, and mental (ADM) disorders and the characteristics of homeless substance abusers and persons with mental illness. Methodological problems in homelessness research are reviewed, particularly in relation to definitions of homelessness and sampling- and case-ascertainment methods. Prevalence rates of ADM disorders are much higher in homeless groups than in the general population. As is true of homeless people in general, homeless substance abusers and mentally ill persons are characterized by extreme poverty; underutilization of public entitlements; isolation from family, friends, and other support networks; frequent contact with correctional agencies; and poor general health. Knowledge of these disadvantages should be used to advocate for better services to prevent homelessness and support homeless people.
本文介绍了近期关于酒精、药物和精神（ADM）障碍患病率以及无家可归的药物滥用者和精神疾病患者特征的研究。回顾了无家可归研究中的方法学问题，特别是与无家可归的定义以及抽样和病例确定方法相关的问题。无家可归群体中ADM障碍的患病率远高于一般人群。与一般无家可归者一样，无家可归的药物滥用者和精神疾病患者的特点是极端贫困；公共福利利用不足；与家人、朋友和其他支持网络隔离；频繁与惩教机构接触；以及总体健康状况不佳。应利用对这些不利因素的了解，倡导提供更好的服务，以预防无家可归现象并支持无家可归者。
