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Rates and Predictors of Uncontrolled Hypertension Among Hypertensive Homeless Adults Using New York City Shelter-Based Clinics
Ramin Asgary , and colleagues
Background As the homeless population ages, they are at higher risk of developing hypertension (high blood pressure). This study assesses the rates and predictors of uncontrolled blood pressure among hypertensive homeless and non-homeless adults using New York City's shelter-based clinics.
What This Study Found There is an alarmingly high rate of uncontrolled hypertension among homeless adults. In this study, forty percent of homeless patients have uncontrolled blood pressure. In comparison, the rates of uncontrolled blood pressure among hypertensive adults who are under treatment are 20 percent (for those aged 40 to 59 years) and 25 percent (for those 60 to 79 years). Lack of health insurance is a strong predictor of uncontrolled blood pressure among homeless and non-homeless hypertensive adults using shelter-based clinics.
Implications
- Hypertension is less controlled among the homeless, who often lack social support and resources to cope with its complications.
- The authors call for comprehensive approaches to provide targeted social services, address psychosocial issues, and improve health insurance for the homeless, as well as strategies to prevent and address homelessness.