Podiatric Health Needs of Homeless Populations as a Public Health Concern

Chen, Bright; Mitchell, Analiza; Tran, David

doi:10.7547/1020054

Cited by 6 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…recently published a study that found foot health to be an often overlooked health problem and highlighted the health importance of foot care in homeless populations, particularly in preventing limb-threatening pathologies. [27] Thus, the foot problems reported in our study further highlight the increased risk that the homeless population has in developing lower-extremity pathologies. Aside from deformities or peripheral neuropathy, the acquisition of adequate shoes and socks can potentially have a major impact on this often-concealed problem.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 52%

“…Foot problems are an often over-looked condition that is not reported by most studies on the homeless population; nonetheless, it is a problem that has been observed. [2227] Chen et al . recently published a study that found foot health to be an often overlooked health problem and highlighted the health importance of foot care in homeless populations, particularly in preventing limb-threatening pathologies.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Assessing health conditions and medication use among the homeless community in Long Beach, California

Chong¹,

Yamaki²,

Harwood³

et al. 2014

J Res Pharm Pract

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Objective:Persons experiencing homelessness are a vulnerable population and are at increased risk for morbidity and all-cause mortality compared to the general population. This study sought to evaluate medication use, regular physician visits, and identify health conditions among the homeless population of Long Beach, California.Methods:Two “brown bag” medication review events were held at homeless shelters in the Long Beach area. Demographic information, medication use, and comorbid disease states were obtained through surveys.Findings:Three-fourths of the cohort (95 participants) consisted of males, and the average age of participants was 48 years. Psychiatric disorders and cardiovascular disease were the most common disease states reported at 32% and 46%, respectively and so were medications used in treating these chronic diseases. Medication adherence was found to be a significant problem in this population, where more than 30% of patients were nonadherent to medications for chronic diseases. Furthermore, foot problems, hearing and vision difficulties constitute the most commonly overlooked health problems within the homeless population.Conclusion:Based on this and other similar finding, we must accept that the homeless represent a vulnerable population, and that because of this fact, more programs should be focused at improving availability and access to health care among the homeless. Regarding the high number of reported health problems in the study, more studies are needed and more studies should incorporate screening for foot, hearing, and vision issues, both to increase awareness and to provide an opportunity for devising possible solutions to these highly preventable conditions.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 52%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing health conditions and medication use among the homeless community in Long Beach, California

Chong¹,

Yamaki²,

Harwood³

et al. 2014

J Res Pharm Pract

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…[3], [5], [6] Given the prevalence and significant morbidity of foot health concerns, these findings have important service provision and public health implications. Homeless individuals often believe that healthy feet are important and are interested in receiving information about how to maintain adequate foot hygiene.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[3], [5], [6] Despite the prevalence of foot problems in this population, there are significant gaps between foot health needs and research studies to address these needs.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[3], [5], [6] Walking is a common mode of transportation among homeless individuals and increased risks of physical injury, poor hygiene, and inadequate footwear have been cited as contributing factors to the development of foot problems. [6] Lack of access to health services and financial resources also prevent homeless individuals from receiving appropriate treatment for foot-related concerns.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Foot Conditions among Homeless Persons: A Systematic Review

Brothers

Zoost

2016

PLoS ONE

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IntroductionFoot problems are common among homeless persons, but are often overlooked. The objectives of this systematic review are to summarize what is known about foot conditions and associated interventions among homeless persons.MethodsA literature search was conducted on MEDLINE (1966–2016), EMBASE (1947–2016), and CINAHL (1982–2016) and complemented by manual searches of reference lists. Articles that described foot conditions in homeless persons or associated interventions were included. Data were independently extracted on: general study characteristics; participants; foot assessment methods; foot conditions and associated interventions; study findings; quality score assessed using the Downs and Black checklist.ResultsOf 333 articles screened, 17 articles met criteria and were included in the study. Prevalence of any foot problem ranged from 9% to 65% across study populations. Common foot-related concerns were corns and calluses, nail pathologies, and infections. Foot pathologies related to chronic diseases such as diabetes were identified. Compared to housed individuals across studies, homeless individuals were more likely to have foot problems including tinea pedis, foot pain, functional limitations with walking, and improperly-fitting shoes.DiscussionFoot conditions were highly prevalent among homeless individuals with up to two thirds reporting a foot health concern, approximately one quarter of individuals visiting a health professional, and one fifth of individuals requiring further follow-up due to the severity of their condition. Homeless individuals often had inadequate foot hygiene practices and improperly-fitting shoes. These findings have service provision and public health implications, highlighting the need for evidence-based interventions to improve foot health in this population. An effective interventional approach could include optimization of foot hygiene and footwear, provision of comprehensive medical treatment, and addressing social factors that lead to increased risk of foot problems. Targeted efforts to screen for and treat foot problems could result in improved health and social outcomes for homeless individuals.

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Development of a foot care model to determine the risk of foot problems among homeless adults in Canada

D’Souza

Mirza

Karkada

2021

Health Soc Care Community

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Homelessness impacts people in various ways, including equitable access to healthcare, and that homelessness can occur regardless of age, sex and other determinants. Homelessness is a physical, psychological, social and economic experience that affects people's access to equitable healthcare services. While studies have examined homeless individuals' healthcare needs (Bryant et al., 2011;Campbell et al., 2015;Lamanna et al., 2017), few studies have investigated the foot conditions of homeless individuals in Canadian cities where foot care services are limited. The aim of the study was to assess homeless people's foot care, develop recommendations for clinical practice and advocate for improved healthcare services. | BACKG ROU N DAt least 235,000 Canadians experience homelessness each year, with about 35,000 Canadians homeless at any given time; 27.3% of homeless individuals are women, while 18.7% are youths (Gaetz, 2014). A report on homeless individuals in British Columbia (B.C.) province found a total of 7,655 homeless individuals, of which

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Podiatric Health Needs of Homeless Populations as a Public Health Concern

Abstract: The small number of studies published so far all emphasize the major public health need for podiatric care among homeless populations. More studies are needed to help address this important public health concern.

Cited by 6 publications

References 4 publications

Assessing health conditions and medication use among the homeless community in Long Beach, California

Assessing health conditions and medication use among the homeless community in Long Beach, California

Foot Conditions among Homeless Persons: A Systematic Review

Development of a foot care model to determine the risk of foot problems among homeless adults in Canada

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