Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Clinical Sciences, American University of Health Sciences, Signal Hill, CA 90755, USA

2 Department of Clinical Sciences, American University of Health Sciences, Signal Hill, CA 90755, USA Department of Pharmacy Practice, Chapman University, Orange, Irvine, CA 92618, USA

3 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, American University of Health Sciences, Signal Hill, CA 90755, USA

Abstract

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.

Keywords


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