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You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/aug/05/more-homeless-women-use-heroine-and-cocaine-than-men-study-finds
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| More homeless women use heroin and cocaine than men, study finds | |
| (about 5 hours later) | |
| Dependency on heroin and cocaine is more prevalent among homeless women than men, according to research. | Dependency on heroin and cocaine is more prevalent among homeless women than men, according to research. |
| A third of homeless women reported having used heroin in the last month, compared with 28% of men, while 31% of women had taken cocaine or crack cocaine compared with 29% of men. | A third of homeless women reported having used heroin in the last month, compared with 28% of men, while 31% of women had taken cocaine or crack cocaine compared with 29% of men. |
| The research was carried out by Homeless Link, which represents organisations that work directly with people who become homeless in England. | The research was carried out by Homeless Link, which represents organisations that work directly with people who become homeless in England. |
| We need to develop our understanding of this population and their specific health needs | We need to develop our understanding of this population and their specific health needs |
| It also found that more women use heroin-substitute methadone than men and there is greater use of other prescription drugs in females. | It also found that more women use heroin-substitute methadone than men and there is greater use of other prescription drugs in females. |
| The study, which looked at 3,355 people experiencing homelessness, also found a greater prevalence of diagnosed mental health conditions, such as depression, among women. | The study, which looked at 3,355 people experiencing homelessness, also found a greater prevalence of diagnosed mental health conditions, such as depression, among women. |
| Overall, 91% of homeless people reported a mental health difficulty, while 88% said they had a physical health problem. | Overall, 91% of homeless people reported a mental health difficulty, while 88% said they had a physical health problem. |
| It found 38% had visited A&E at least once in the past six months and 37% said they drank alcohol every day. | It found 38% had visited A&E at least once in the past six months and 37% said they drank alcohol every day. |
| Jacqui McCluskey, director of policy and communications for Homeless Link, said: “The details revealed by this research may be surprising, but they illustrate how useful a health-needs audit can be in accurately assessing the needs of those experiencing homelessness. This evidence is vital for local areas to ensure the most effective responses to people’s needs are commissioned. | Jacqui McCluskey, director of policy and communications for Homeless Link, said: “The details revealed by this research may be surprising, but they illustrate how useful a health-needs audit can be in accurately assessing the needs of those experiencing homelessness. This evidence is vital for local areas to ensure the most effective responses to people’s needs are commissioned. |
| “There is a clear link between housing and health needs, which services across both sectors must work together to address. We urge public health, health services and housing and homelessness partners across England to carry out local audits to ensure homeless people in their area have access to the support they need.” | “There is a clear link between housing and health needs, which services across both sectors must work together to address. We urge public health, health services and housing and homelessness partners across England to carry out local audits to ensure homeless people in their area have access to the support they need.” |
| Public Health England’s national director for health and well-being, Prof Kevin Fenton, said: “Homeless people experience significantly worse health than that of the general population, and the cost to the NHS is considerable. | Public Health England’s national director for health and well-being, Prof Kevin Fenton, said: “Homeless people experience significantly worse health than that of the general population, and the cost to the NHS is considerable. |
| “If we are to make improvements for these very vulnerable people we need to develop our understanding of this population and their specific health needs.” | “If we are to make improvements for these very vulnerable people we need to develop our understanding of this population and their specific health needs.” |