Brown Lisa M, Barnett Scott D, Frahm Kathryn A, Schinka John A, Schonfeld Lawrence, Casey Roger J
Dr. Brown and Dr. Frahm are with the School of Aging Studies, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa (e-mail:
Psychiatr Serv. 2015 Jan 1;66(1):33-40. doi: 10.1176/appi.ps.201400022. Epub 2014 Oct 31.
This study examined age-related differences in general medical and mental health risk factors for veterans participating in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Grant Per Diem (GPD) transitional supportive housing program. The subpopulation of older homeless veterans is growing, and little is known about the implications of this fact for health care providers and for supportive programs intended to meet homeless veterans' needs.
Data were obtained from the VA records of all veterans (N=40,820) who used the GPD program during fiscal years 2003 to 2009. Unconditional adjusted and unadjusted odds ratios for general medical and psychiatric characteristics were calculated and were the primary study focus. Significant predictors of homeless program completion assessed from univariate models were then evaluated in multivariate models.
Younger (<55) and older (≥55) homeless veterans reported an equal number of days homeless before enrollment. Younger veterans averaged 19 fewer days in GPD. Older veterans had more general medical problems and approximately $500 more in program costs.
Findings from this study indicate that older homeless veterans are at increased risk of serious medical problems. This group is especially vulnerable to experiencing negative consequences related to homelessness. Addressing these complex needs will allow the VA to provide enhanced care to older homeless veterans.
本研究调查了参与美国退伍军人事务部（VA）按日津贴（GPD）过渡性支持性住房项目的退伍军人在一般医疗和心理健康风险因素方面的年龄差异。老年无家可归退伍军人亚群体正在扩大，而这一事实对医疗服务提供者以及旨在满足无家可归退伍军人需求的支持项目的影响却鲜为人知。
数据取自2003财年至2009财年期间使用GPD项目的所有退伍军人（N = 40,820）的VA记录。计算了一般医疗和精神特征的无条件调整和未调整比值比，这是主要的研究重点。然后在多变量模型中评估单变量模型中评估的无家可归项目完成的显著预测因素。
较年轻（<55岁）和较年长（≥55岁）的无家可归退伍军人报告在入组前无家可归的天数相同。较年轻的退伍军人在GPD中的平均天数少19天。年长的退伍军人有更多的一般医疗问题，项目成本大约多500美元。
本研究结果表明，老年无家可归退伍军人面临严重医疗问题的风险增加。这一群体特别容易受到与无家可归相关的负面后果的影响。满足这些复杂需求将使VA能够为老年无家可归退伍军人提供更好的护理。
