A. Arnaud

Characteristics and health of homeless families: the ENFAMS survey in the Paris region, France 2013

BACKGROUND The objectives were to estimate the size of homeless family population in Paris region, to describe their living conditions and health and to analyse the impact of homelessness on childrens growth and development, which was never investigated in France. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a random sample of homeless sheltered families in 2013. Families were interviewed in 17 languages and a nurse took anthropometric measures, blood samples and collected health data from child health reports. RESULTS The population size was estimated at 10 280 families. Half were single-parent female families and 94% were born outside France. Most families had experienced housing instability and 94% were living below the poverty line (828 euros/month). Malnutrition was a major problem: the prevalence of food insecurity was high (77% of parents and 69% of children), as well as anaemia (50% of mothers and 38% of children), overweight (38% of mothers and 22% of children) and obesity (32% of mothers and 4% of children). High rates of depressive disorders were found in 30% of homeless mothers and 20% of children had signs of possible mental health disorders. DISCUSSION These first results highlight the important number of families among the homeless population in Paris region. Families differed from other homeless people regarding social characteristics such as birthplace, single-parent status and residential instability that are likely to influence schooling, social ties, health and access to care. These results demonstrate the need for urgent actions targeting homeless families, in terms of reducing housing instability and providing adequate care, especially for children.

Prevalence and characteristics of diabetes among homeless people attending shelters in Paris, France, 2006

Chronic diseases are frequent in homeless people. The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of diabetes in people living in shelters and to describe the characteristics of homeless people previously diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes screening was systematically performed in nine shelters in Paris, from October to December 2006. We found a high prevalence of diabetes comparable with those of the general population, but a high frequency of major complications, in spite of a relatively young age, short duration since diabetes diagnosis and moderate glycaemic control. This study underlines the burden of diabetes among precarious people and supports the development of more effective strategies to improve diabetes management in this population, especially regarding podiatric care.

Prevalences of scabies and pediculosis corporis among homeless people in the Paris region: results from two randomized cross-sectional surveys (HYTPEAC study).

Dermatological infections constitute the most common health problem in the homeless population.

Anaemia and associated factors in homeless children in the Paris region: the ENFAMS survey

Background Food insecurity is a major concern in homeless population, however nutritional consequences remain poorly documented, especially for children. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of anaemia and to investigate the relation between both food insecurity and dietary intake to moderate-to-severe anaemia (MSA) in homeless sheltered children. Methods In 2013, a cross-sectional survey was conducted on a random sample of 801 sheltered homeless families in the Paris region. Haemoglobin concentration was measured in 630 mother/child dyads and questionnaires administrated to mothers collected socio-demographic, socioeconomic, health and dietary data. Factors associated with MSA were analysed in two stratified child age groups; 0.5-5 and 6-12 years old. Results Anaemia was detected in 39.9% of the children and 50.6% of the mothers, and MSA in 22.3% and 25.6%, respectively. In both age groups, MSA was positively associated with maternal MSA. In the 0.5-5 years group, it was also positively associated with child food insecurity, no cooking facilities and household monthly income. In the 6-12 years group, it was positively associated with household food insecurity and childrens age. Conclusion A higher food insecurity score was associated with greater prevalence of moderate-to-severe anaemia in children. Considering the high prevalence of anaemia among homeless mothers and their children, these findings highlight the need for reducing food insecurity in shelters so as to prevent anaemia in this vulnerable population.

Homeless-ness is associated with psycho-pathologies

Background The objectives were to estimate the size of homeless family population in Paris region, to describe their living conditions and health, and to analyse the impact of homelessness on childrens growth and development. Methods In 2013, we conducted a cross-sectional survey on a random sample of homeless …