Key findings from the research include:

Health

• Almost all respondents had either a diagnosed mental or physical health problem and the majority were also receiving treatment for ill health
• Mental health issues were very common, with over half reporting a diagnosis of depression. Almost half of the sample had both a mental health problem and an addiction problem
• More than one third of respondents had self-harmed; three fifths have had suicidal thoughts and more than one third had attempted suicide. Half of those reporting a mental health diagnosis had attempted suicide
• Compared with the 1997 and 2005 studies, the homeless population has more diagnosed ill health, more are treated with prescribed medication, and more report mental health diagnoses and treatment
• Overall, there is a higher level of health service utilisation than previous surveys, with most having seen a primary care GP or nurse in the previous six months
• Half reported having attended specialised (hostel based) health services for homeless people

Health Services

• Medical card coverage has greatly improved
• The level of primary care and Emergency Department use has increased
• Having a key worker meant that there was an increased likelihood of health care access

Addiction

• Tobacco smoking has become almost universal among this group.
• Illicit drug use has steadily risen since 1997
• Rates of dangerous drinking have also increased, particularly among women.
• The majority of homeless people still attend clinics for Methadone Maintenance Treatment rather than either mainstream primary care services or specialised health services for homeless people