Health and oral health care needs and health care-seeking behavior among homeless injection drug users in San Francisco

Jonathan Leserman Robbins, Lynn Wenger, Jennifer Lorvick, Caroline Shiboski, Alex H. Kral

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

39 Scopus citations

Abstract

Few existing studies have examined health and oral health needs and treatment-seeking behavior among the homeless and injection drug users (IDUs). This paper describes the prevalence and correlates of health and oral health care needs and treatment-seeking behaviors in homeless IDUs recruited in San Francisco, California, from 2003 to 2005 (N=340). We examined sociodemographic characteristics, drug use patterns, HIV status via oral fluid testing, physical health using the Short Form 12 Physical Component Score, self-reported needs for physical and oral health care, and the self-reported frequency of seeking medical and oral health care. The sample had a lower health status as compared to the general population and reported a frequent need for physical and oral health care. In bivariate analysis, being in methadone treatment was associated with care-seeking behavior. In addition, being enrolled in Medi-Cal, California's state Medicaid program, was associated with greater odds of seeking physical and oral health care. Methamphetamine use was not associated with higher odds of needing oral health care as compared to people who reported using other illicit drugs. Homeless IDUs in San Francisco have a large burden of unmet health and oral health needs. Recent cuts in Medi-Cal's adult dental coverage may result in a greater burden of oral health care which will need to be provided by emergency departments and neighborhood dental clinics.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)920-930
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Urban Health
Volume87
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Dental Care
  • Health Care
  • Homeless
  • IDU
  • Methamphetamine
  • Oral Health

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Urban Studies
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Health and oral health care needs and health care-seeking behavior among homeless injection drug users in San Francisco'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this