Homeless children and families: clinical and research issues.

The rapid increase in the number of homeless children and families has focused attention on understanding the health and related needs of this vulnerable group. This paper describes challenges associated with providing health care to homeless children and evaluation of those services. Data are presented from the Nursing Center for the Homeless of the School of Nursing at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Health services provided to homeless children and families (N = 470) documented that more than half (56%) were covered by health insurance and had received age-appropriate preventive health care. Of the children seen, 50% were considered well and 30% were diagnosed as having upper respiratory infections, skin problems, and/or gastrointestinal disorders. Health teaching for parents was the most frequent nursing intervention (50%), while 20% of the children were referred to community agencies. Factors that impede data collection and provision of health services for the homeless population are discussed, including suggestions for treatment and research approaches.

Health perceptions of the homeless: a survey of Buffalo's City Mission.

Several faculty members at the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Nursing were interested in developing a nursing center in Western New York to serve the homeless population. The City Mission in Buffalo was selected as a site to conduct a survey to identify the demographic characteristics of one group of homeless subjects and their perceived needs. One hundred and twenty-four questionnaires were completed and analyzed statistically. The profile of the respondents was that of a young, single, Protestant white male from the Buffalo area with a history of local residence. A large proportion of the subjects perceived themselves as experiencing health problems. Both disease prevention and health promotion needs were recognized. The findings of this study were consistent with those of earlier studies including those completed in Boston, Massachusetts (1984). These data have served as a base for the provision of primary nursing interventions for this population within a nursing center model.