Exploring the oral health experiences of homeless people:a deconstruction-reconstruction formulation

Objective: To explore qualitatively, using a grounded theory approach, homeless people's awareness of their oral health needs and how they access dental services using a deconstruction-reconstruction formulation, and provide recommendations for service designers and dental professionals who work with people experiencing homelessness. Methods: A qualitative study using grounded theory methodology was conducted. A purposive sample of homeless people was recruited from health facilities and organizations serving homeless populations in four Scottish cities and towns. Participants were interviewed about their oral health within the wider context of their experiences of homelessness. Initial research questions were open and focused on social processes such as oral health practices and interaction with dental services. Data collection and analysis were carried out simultaneously and iteratively, with emerging findings informing subsequent cycles. Data analysis was guided by Glaser and Strauss's grounded theory methodology and involved constant comparison, coding of transcripts and detailed memo-writing. Results: Thirty-four homeless people took part. Participant experiences were conceptualized as a journey into and through the stages of homelessness, towards ‘reclaiming life'. Oral health experiences were mapped as a parallel 3-stage journey from the deconstruction of self-care, to the construction and maintenance of the neglected dentine, and finally to the reclamation of oral health resulting in a reconstructed functioning dentition. Conclusions: This qualitative exploration using a deconstruction-reconstruction formulation has added to the understanding of homeless people's oral health awareness and dental treatment access while permitting an examination of the wider socioeconomic and psychosocial issues that disrupt their intentions to attend for treatment. These findings provide service designers and dental professionals with recommendations for the provision of responsive, acceptable and appropriate dental health services for those experiencing homelessness

Access to new information and communication technologies among homeless people in Madrid (Spain)

The article analyzes access to various information and communication technologies – ICTs-(mobile phone, computer, Internet, e-mail and social network site) among a representative sample of homeless people in Madrid. The information was collected using a structured interview. The results show that new ICTs are used to some extent among homeless people in Madrid, although at much lower percentages than the general population in Spain. We observed a relatively widespread use of mobile phones, a medium-low level use of the Internet, computer and e-mail, and hardly any use of social networks, with significant differences according to the interviewees' age, level of education and Spanish or foreign nationality. The digital divide has an especially negative effect on elderly homeless people, those with lower levels of education and those of Spanish origin

The potential for health-related uses of mobile phones and internet with homeless veterans: results from a multisite survey

BACKGROUND: Addressing the health needs of homeless veterans is a priority in the United States, and, although information technologies can potentially improve access to and engagement in care, little is known about this population\u27s use of information technologies or their willingness to use technologies to communicate with healthcare providers and systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study fills this gap through a survey of homeless veterans\u27 use of information technologies and their attitudes about using these technologies to assist with accessing needed healthcare services. RESULTS: Among the 106 homeless veterans surveyed, 89% had a mobile phone (one-third were smartphones), and 76% used the Internet. Among those with a mobile phone, 71% used text messaging. Nearly all respondents (93%) were interested in receiving mobile phone reminders (text message or phone call) about upcoming medical appointments, and a similar proportion (88%) wanted mobile phone outreach asking if they would like to schedule an appointment if they had not been seen by a health provider in over a year. In addition, respondents already used these technologies for information and communication related to health, housing, and jobs. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest new avenues for communication and health interventions for hard-to-reach homeless veterans