Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
15:00
Setup of Consumer Wearable Devices for Exposure and Health Monitoring in Population Studies
Published on: February 3, 2023
Homelessness: a hidden public health problem.
1Centre for Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. somadattap@gmail.com
Indian Journal of Public Health
|February 5, 2009
Summary
Homelessness is a significant public health issue, particularly in India, with inadequate recognition and services. Addressing the health and social needs of the homeless population is crucial for promoting health equity.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Social Sciences
- Health Equity
Background:
- Homelessness poses significant societal challenges, yet it is often overlooked by public health professionals.
- There is a critical lack of data regarding the health issues and specific healthcare needs of the homeless population in India.
- Existing social programs and healthcare access for homeless individuals are insufficient, compounded by numerous barriers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the multifaceted issues surrounding homelessness, including definitions, estimation methodologies, and health-related challenges.
- To highlight the deficiency in data and services for the homeless in India.
- To advocate for the recognition of homelessness as a public health problem requiring targeted interventions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and discussion of existing data (or lack thereof) on homelessness in India.
- Analysis of barriers to healthcare access for the homeless population.
- Exploration of social and economic factors contributing to homelessness.
Main Results:
- Homelessness is inadequately recognized as a public health concern.
- India faces a data deficit concerning the health status and needs of its homeless population.
- Insufficient shelter availability and significant healthcare access barriers exist for the homeless.
Conclusions:
- Homelessness is projected to increase due to evolving socio-economic conditions.
- Recognizing homelessness as a public health issue is essential for developing targeted care strategies.
- Specialized interventions are necessary to ensure equitable healthcare access for the homeless population.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II
Rural Health Centers
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...
01:21Health Literacy
Health literacy is an individual's or a community's capacity to comprehend, receive, read, and use relevant healthcare information and services. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2018) defines health literacy as the cognitive and social skills that determine the ability of individuals to gain access to, understand, and use information in ways that promote and maintain good health. As a result, the WHO helps individuals manage long-term health concerns, participate in preventative programs,...
01:29Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Documentation in long-term care facilities and home healthcare settings is crucial for ensuring continuous, coordinated, and comprehensive care for patients. Each setting has its specific documentation processes and tools:
Long-Term Care Facilities
Long-Term Care Facilities
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
01:21Dimensions of Health and Illness
The factors influencing the health-illness continuum can be internal or external and may or may not be under conscious control. They are related to the following eight human dimensions, and each dimension is interrelated to one other.
01:18Introduction To Health Care Delivery System
The healthcare system is constantly changing and complex. Various services are available from different healthcare providers, but gaining access to these services has become challenging for people with limited healthcare insurance. Uninsured people present a challenge to healthcare because they frequently postpone or forego treatment.
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) advocates for a patient-centered, effective, safe, timely, equitable, and effective healthcare system. The National Priorities...
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) advocates for a patient-centered, effective, safe, timely, equitable, and effective healthcare system. The National Priorities...