Predictors of Emergency Department Visits and Inpatient Admissions Among Homeless and Unstably Housed Adolescents and Young Adults.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Individuals under age 25 years are estimated to comprise one third of the homeless population nationally. Understanding the reasons for utilization of hospitals by homeless youth is important for optimizing disposition planning.

Objectives

Objectives of the present study were to: (1) report prevalence of emergency department (ED) and inpatient admissions among homeless and unstably housed youth; (2) describe demographic characteristics of those youth who seek hospital care; (3) describe their patterns of injury, illness, psychiatric, and substance use conditions; and (4) identify demographic and diagnostic predictors of ED visit or hospital readmission.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of 15-25-year-olds (N=402) who were admitted to the ED or inpatient fl

SUBMITTER: Mackelprang JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4648664 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature