Study: Homeless in San Francisco face 16 times higher sudden death rate than housed residents.
Homeless Individuals Face Shorter Lifespan and Higher Mortality Rates, Study Finds
According to a recent study conducted by the University of California–San Francisco, homeless individuals have an average life expectancy of 50 years and are more likely to experience sudden death compared to the general population.
The study identified drug overdose and substance abuse disorders as primary causes of death among the homeless, with untreated medical issues and infections also playing a significant role.
“The disparities identified in this study underscore the profound adverse association of housing status with health and potentially preventable sudden mortality,” wrote the authors of the report, including cardiologist Leila Haghighat and professor of medicine Zian H. Tseng.
Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association’s Internal Medicine publication on Oct. 23, the study reviewed eight years of data from February 2011 to December 2018. It found a 16-fold increase in death rates among the homeless, with drug addiction and unsanitary living conditions being major contributing factors.
“While the high rate of substance use in the unhoused population has been long recognized, our study demonstrates its association with early, specifically sudden, mortality and its true impact among the unhoused population,” stated the authors. “Redoubled efforts to treat substance use, including safe prescribing patterns and naloxone distribution, may reduce both overdose rates and heart failure in the unhoused population.”
Although not included in the study, San Francisco has already witnessed over 620 fentanyl overdose deaths this year, according to the city’s medical examiner. The exact number of homeless individuals involved is unclear. Experts believe that updated cause of death studies will reveal even higher percentages of overdoses, considering the spike in fentanyl deaths since 2018.
Even after excluding drug-related deaths, the study found that the mortality rate among the homeless remained seven times higher than that of the housed population, indicating the presence of other contributing factors.
While sudden deaths in housed individuals are often preventable with defibrillators, such as in the case of heart attacks, the rate of death among the homeless, although lower in percentage, is higher overall.
Given the nature of these deaths, the authors suggested increasing the availability of defibrillation devices in areas with high levels of homelessness and focusing on drug abuse education and treatment approaches.
“Redoubled efforts to treat substance use, including safe prescribing patterns and naloxone distribution, may reduce both overdose rates and heart failure in the unhoused population,” emphasized the authors.
San Francisco currently ranks fourth in the nation for homelessness, with approximately 4,400 people living on the streets and another 3,400 in shelters every night, according to the latest point-in-time count from 2022.
A report released by the city in July revealed that around eight percent of the homeless population are veterans, and approximately 13 percent are youth.
How does the lack of consistent healthcare providers and untreated medical conditions contribute to increased mortality rates among homeless individuals?
Rtality,” said Dr. Haghighat. “Addressing the underlying causes of homelessness, such as mental illness and addiction, is crucial in order to improve the overall health and lifespan of this vulnerable population.”
The study also revealed that homeless individuals often face significant barriers to accessing healthcare. Limited access to primary care, lack of health insurance, and stigma surrounding homelessness all contribute to delayed or inadequate medical treatment.
“Without stable housing, individuals are less likely to have consistent healthcare providers and are more likely to rely on emergency services for their healthcare needs,” explained Dr. Tseng. “This lack of consistent care and untreated medical conditions can lead to increased mortality rates.”
The findings of this study highlight the urgent need for comprehensive healthcare services targeted towards homeless individuals. Providing affordable housing, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and primary care options are essential in addressing the root causes of homelessness and improving health outcomes.
Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of collaboration between healthcare providers, social services agencies, and policymakers. Efforts to address homelessness should involve a multi-disciplinary approach, combining medical expertise with housing assistance and social support programs.
In recent years, several cities in the United States have implemented innovative programs to tackle homelessness. These initiatives focus on providing stable housing and wraparound services to vulnerable individuals, with promising results. However, the scale of the problem remains substantial, requiring a coordinated and sustained effort to make a lasting impact.
In conclusion, this study sheds light on the significant health disparities faced by homeless individuals, including a shorter lifespan and higher mortality rates. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive healthcare services, targeted intervention programs, and supportive housing options. By addressing the underlying causes of homelessness and improving access to healthcare, we can work towards a society where everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life, regardless of their housing status.
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