Number of homeless women doubles in 10 years

THE number of homeless women on the streets has more than doubled in the last 10 years, with drugs replacing alcohol as the addiction which forces them from their homes.

A study in Dublin also found the age profile of those sleeping rough was getting younger compared with a similar study in 1997, with 81% under 45 compared with 66%. In addition the number with mental or physical health problems has also shot up by almost 20%.

The survey by Dr Austin O’Connell on behalf of the Royal College of Surgeon’s Department of Family Medicine and General Practice questioned 363 homeless people residing either in hostels or bed and breakfasts appointed by the Health Service Executive in the northside of Dublin.

It found the number of females had more than doubled from 15% in 1997 to 38%. It also found they were more likely to remain homeless for more than one year.

While the 1997 study did not ask about blood-borne infection, this study showed 6% of homeless people with HIV, 5% with Hepatitis B and 35% with Hepatitis C.

Drug abuse had superseded alcohol as the main addiction with a doubling in the proportion reporting current or past drug use. Of those surveyed, 23% were current drug users, and 41% were past users.

The authors of the survey Austin O’Connell and Fiona O’Reilly of the Mountjoy Street Practice said the findings demonstrated that since 1997 the plight of homeless people had not improved.

“In addition a large prevalence of blood-borne infections in the homeless population has emerged since 1997. In the context of economic growth and a reduction of absolute poverty, the health needs of homeless people have increased while access to free health care remains poor.

“Secondary services increasingly carry the extra burden created by the worsening morbidity of homeless people. The health profile of the homeless population has been affected by the rising prevalence of drug users becoming homeless. This change requires specifically targeted responses.”

The authors said a new Safetynet service is to be launched next week which could address some of those needs.

The Mountjoy Street Practice has also produced a report proposing the establishment of an intermediate care centre for homeless people.

The centre, which is being considered by the HSE, could cater for homeless people’s health needs post-discharge from hospital and would prevent admission to hospital in other cases.