Bibliographic Details
| Title: |
Markedly poor physical functioning status of people experiencing homelessness admitted to an acute hospital setting |
| Authors: |
S. Kiernan, C. Ní Cheallaigh, N. Murphy, J. Dowds, J. Broderick |
| Source: |
Scientific Reports, Vol 11, Iss 1, Pp 1-8 (2021) |
| Publisher Information: |
Nature Portfolio, 2021. |
| Publication Year: |
2021 |
| Collection: |
LCC:Medicine
LCC:Science |
| Subject Terms: |
Medicine, Science |
| More Details: |
Abstract Adults who are homeless experience poor health and frequently require hospital in-patient care but the physical functioning ability of this group is rarely considered. The objective of this study was to evaluate a broad range of physical functioning variables to enable better future planning of targeted health and accommodation services for this group. This cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in a large acute hospital in Dublin, Ireland. A comprehensive ward-based test battery evaluated physical functioning in 65 in-patients registered as homeless with an age range of 23–80 years. Less than 10% (n = 5) were > 70 years. 58/65 (83%) of participants had mobility limitations and 35/65 (54%) reported at least one fall in the previous six months. Only 25/66 (35%) were able to walk for 6 min and 20/65 (31%) were able to climb one flight of stairs. 45/63 (70%) of participants were pre-frail or frail. Muscular mass was normal in the majority of participants but grip strength was low. This study revealed hospital in-patients registered as homeless displayed particularly poor physical functioning levels and mobility regardless of age. Health and housing services should address the unmet physical functioning needs of this vulnerable group. |
| Document Type: |
article |
| File Description: |
electronic resource |
| Language: |
English |
| ISSN: |
2045-2322 |
| Relation: |
https://doaj.org/toc/2045-2322 |
| DOI: |
10.1038/s41598-021-88590-0 |
| Access URL: |
https://doaj.org/article/378798cffd364760b466447bf71e9be7 |
| Accession Number: |
edsdoj.378798cffd364760b466447bf71e9be7 |
| Database: |
Directory of Open Access Journals |
