Zima B T, Wells K B, Benjamin B, Duan N
Department of Psychiatry, University of California at Los Angeles, USA.
Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1996 Apr;53(4):332-8. doi: 10.1001/archpsyc.1996.01830040068011.
The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of psychological distress and probable lifetime mental disorders among homeless mothers, their use of services, and the relationship between maternal and child mental health problems.
The study involved a cross-sectional assessment of 110 mothers and 157 children living in homeless shelters in Los Angeles County.
The majority (72%) of sheltered homeless mothers reported high current psychological distress or symptoms of a probable lifetime major mental illness or substance abuse. However, few mothers (15%) in need of services received mental health care, and the main point of contact for those with a mental health problem was the general medical sector. Mothers with a probable mental disorder were also significantly more likely to have children with either depression or behavior problems.
Homeless mothers have a high level of unmet need for mental health services. The relationship between maternal and child problems underscores the need for homeless family interventions that promote access to psychiatric care for both generations.
本研究旨在描述无家可归母亲中心理困扰和可能的终生精神障碍的患病率、她们对服务的使用情况以及母婴心理健康问题之间的关系。
该研究对洛杉矶县无家可归者收容所中的110名母亲和157名儿童进行了横断面评估。
大多数（72%）住在收容所的无家可归母亲报告称目前有高度心理困扰，或有可能终生患重度精神疾病或药物滥用的症状。然而，很少有需要服务的母亲（15%）接受过心理健康护理，有心理健康问题的母亲的主要联系点是普通医疗部门。有可能患精神障碍的母亲，其孩子患抑郁症或行为问题的可能性也显著更高。
无家可归母亲对心理健康服务的需求有很大一部分未得到满足。母婴问题之间的关系凸显了对无家可归家庭进行干预的必要性，这种干预应促进两代人都能获得精神科护理。
