@article{ref1,
title="Mental illness and substance use among sheltered homeless persons in lower-density population areas",
journal="Psychiatric services",
year="1995",
author="Kales, J. P. and Barone, M. A. and Bixler, E. O. and Miljkovic, M. M. and Kales, J. D.",
volume="46",
number="6",
pages="592-595",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of mental illness and substance abuse in homeless populations has been studied primarily in large urban areas. This study examines a sheltered homeless population in two counties of lower-density population, Dauphin and Cumberland counties in central Pennsylvania, to assess the prevalence of mental illness and substance abuse. METHODS: A total of 81 homeless adults from nine emergency shelters were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: The estimated lifetime prevalence rate of major depressive disorder was 26.6 percent; 6.4 percent of the sample showed evidence of psychotic thinking. Almost one-third reported previous hospitalization for emotional problems, and about one-third reported a suicide attempt. The estimated lifetime prevalence rate of alcohol or drug abuse or dependence was almost 60 percent. CONCLUSIONS: Although mental illness, especially psychosis, and substance abuse may be somewhat less prevalent among homeless persons in lower-density population areas than in large urban areas, they are nevertheless significant problems.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1075-2730",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}