A comparison of the health and mental health status of homeless mothers in Worcester, Mass: 1993 and 2003

Linda F. Weinreb, University of Massachusetts Medical School
John C. Buckner, Harvard Medical School
Valerie Williams, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Joanne Nicholson, University of Massachusetts Medical School

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: We assessed background characteristics, health status, and prevalence rates of mental health disorders in 2 studies of homeless mothers conducted in Worcester, Mass, one in 1993 and the other in 2003.

METHODS: We compared the women taking part in the 2 studies, which involved similar methodologies, on the key variables of interest over time.

RESULTS: Homeless families taking part in the 2003 study were poorer than those taking part in the 1993 study, and female heads of household in that study reported more physical health limitations, major depressive illness, and posttraumatic stress disorder.

CONCLUSION: Data from 2003 suggest that the characteristics of homeless mothers changed over the 10-year period assessed. Service providers and shelter staff may need to refine services so that they are responsive to these changing needs.