Gail Gilchrist1, David S Morrison. 1. Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Over half of Glasgow's 4000 homeless people drink hazardously but the prevalence of alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD) has not been described. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of ARBD among homeless hostel dwellers in Glasgow. METHODS: A representative sample of homeless hostel dwellers was surveyed using validated survey instruments and clinical assessment. RESULTS: From a sample of 266 hostel dwellers, 82% had cognitive impairment and 78% were drinking hazardously. The prevalence of ARBD among homeless hostel dwellers was 21%. CONCLUSIONS: ARBD has a high prevalence among homeless hostel dwellers and treatment is usually effective. There is a need to actively identify and treat this population to help them move out of homelessness.
BACKGROUND: Over half of Glasgow's 4000 homeless people drink hazardously but the prevalence of alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD) has not been described. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of ARBD among homeless hostel dwellers in Glasgow. METHODS: A representative sample of homeless hostel dwellers was surveyed using validated survey instruments and clinical assessment. RESULTS: From a sample of 266 hostel dwellers, 82% had cognitive impairment and 78% were drinking hazardously. The prevalence of ARBD among homeless hostel dwellers was 21%. CONCLUSIONS: ARBD has a high prevalence among homeless hostel dwellers and treatment is usually effective. There is a need to actively identify and treat this population to help them move out of homelessness.
Authors: Maria C Raven; Lina Tieu; Christopher T Lee; Claudia Ponath; David Guzman; Margot Kushel Journal: Acad Emerg Med Date: 2017-01 Impact factor: 3.451
Authors: Emma Gorman; Alastair H Leyland; Gerry McCartney; Ian R White; Srinivasa Vittal Katikireddi; Lisa Rutherford; Lesley Graham; Linsay Gray Journal: Am J Epidemiol Date: 2014-09-16 Impact factor: 4.897