Determinants of undernutrition among homeless adults.

Factors associated with undernutrition were investigated in a broad community-based sample of 457 homeless adults (344 men and 113 women) who were interviewed and examined in a variety of settings during the summer of 1985. Latent variables representing drug use, alcohol use, a stereotyped homeless appearance, mental illness, poor physical health status, and measured variables of age, sex, income, and number of free food sources were used as predictors of undernutrition. Undernutrition was indicated with three anthropometric measures (weight, triceps skinfold, and upper arm muscle area in the lowest 15th percentile) and one observational measure. Thirty-three percent of the sample was undernourished as defined by at least one of the anthropometric measures. Undernutrition was significantly associated with more drug use, fewer free food sources, less income, and male sex. The findings identify persons at risk for undernutrition and suggest programs to alleviate their hunger, including increased funding for food stamps and other income supports, more free food sources such as shelters and souplines, and drug treatment programs.