Modifiable Risk Factors and Readiness to Change among Homeless Adults

Objectives: In this study, we examined the prevalence of modifiable health risk factors (eg, smoking, unsafe sexual practices, at-risk drinking, low fruit/vegetable consumption, inadequate physical activity, and overweight/obesity) and readiness to change among homeless adults in Oklahoma City, OK. A secondary aim was to examine the relationship between self-rated health and readiness to change. Methods: We examined readiness to change using "ladder of change" variables. We used linear regression models to predict self-rated health and readiness to change. Results: Participants (N = 581) were largely smokers (79%), consumed less than 5 fruit and vegetable servings per day (64%) and were overweight or obese (64%). Many participants were ready to change at-risk drinking (56%), fruit/vegetable consumption (74%), and overweight/obesity (74%). Regression analyses indicated that low fruit/vegetable consumption and physical activity were associated with lower self-rated health. Lower self-rated health was not significantly related to readiness to change any health risk factors. Conclusions: Among homeless adults, the prevalence of modifiable health risk factors was high, as was readiness to change. Research is needed to reduce individual risk factors in this understudied population.