Homelessness in Denmark presents serious health challenges, with marginalized groups facing barriers to healthcare despite the country’s robust welfare system. A study analyzed registry data from 1,242 users of a low-threshold healthcare service at Copenhagen’s open drug scene over seven years (2009-2015). The population was mostly male, with a median age of 42 and low educational levels. High rates of morbidity were identified, with 56% having dual diagnoses of psychiatric and substance use disorders, and 53% having both dual diagnoses and chronic somatic diseases (Triple Diagnosis). The study reported 158 deaths, primarily among men, with substance-related causes and cardiovascular diseases being the leading factors. The average age at death was 47.3 years, indicating many died prematurely. Findings suggest that users of the shelter health clinic are often in poorer health compared to other shelter users in Denmark, underscoring the necessity for targeted support and primary prevention efforts to enhance healthcare access and slow disease progression among this vulnerable population.
Morbidity and Mortality Patterns Among Marginalized Individuals: Insights from a Copenhagen Shelter Health Clinic Cohort
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