Health and lifestyles of homeless people: an analysis of the North West Thames Regional Health Authority survey of the "temporary" homeless population

Abstract

EVIDENCE of the extensive interest now exhibited in the lifestyle of different populations is provided by the growth of district and regionally based health and lifestyle surveys. Typically, such studies under-represent the less privileged members of society such as homeless people. In North West Thames RHA such a survey was undertaken in spring 1991 amongst the 'temporary' homeless population living in bed and breakfast hotels, as well as regional residents. Overall, 319 homeless people and 8,251 regional residents were interviewed. A high prevalence of smoking, low rates of exercise and poor diet were observed amongst the homeless sample as compared to the resident population. Rates of completed childhood immunisation compared favourably with that observed for the regional resident population. Implications for policy-making are discussed, including the need to address the root causes of homeless people's disadvantage, linking health promotion and the wider arena of social policy.