[Epidemiology of acute pancreatitis in Chile between 2013 and 2018]. / Epidemiología de la pancreatitis aguda en Chile entre los años 2013 y 2018.

BACKGROUND: The worldwide incidence of acute pancreatitis (AP) is increasing. AIM: To determine the national incidence of AP between 2013 and 2018. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of hospital discharge records available at the web page of the Statistical and Information Service of the Chilean Ministry of Health. We recorded the number of patients discharged with a diagnosis of AP, excluding chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, between 2013 and 2018. We also recorded length of hospital stay, age, etiology, and lethality. Rates of raw and age-adjusted incidence were calculated. RESULTS: During the study period, 46,420 patients with AP were discharged, with an incidence rate ranging between 39 and 43.7/100,000 inhabitants, and a non-significant increase along time of 8.6%. There are important differences between the average adjusted rates of Northern (Arica to Metropolitan) and Southern regions (O'Higgins to Magallanes), with rates of 36.9 and 53.6/100,000 inhabitants respectively (p < 0.01). The average hospital stay was 11 days. Two thirds of cases were aged between 20 and 64 years. The case fatality was 4.2%, with no decrease between 2013 and 2018. The mortality rate was 1.6/100,000 inhabitants. CONCLUSIONS: The annual incidence of AP is 42.6/100,000 inhabitants, with geographical differences from North to South, which can be associated with the high frequency of biliary tract disease in aboriginal ethnic groups. The age distribution and length hospital stay were stable over time.

[MRI of the axial skeleton for evaluation of prostate cancer extent in french Guyana]. / IRM du squelette axial pour le bilan du cancer de prostate en Guyane française.

INTRODUCTION: Spread evaluation of Prostate Cancer (PC) in French Guyana is bothered by the lack of bone scintigraphy. The availability of 4 MRI allows to develop alternatives using Axial Skeleton MRI (AS MRI). We report the related results. MATERIAL: AS MRI was done in patients with diagnosis of high risk PC: PSA>=10ng/ml and/or Gleason Score>=7 (predominant Gleason grade 4) and/or clinical T2b and/or T2b/T3 MRI and/or >50% positive biopsies. AS MRI was including spine, pelvis and skull assessement.The results were systematically compared to the clinical, biological and biopsy features. RESULTS: Amongst 163 AS MRI performed, 30 were positive and 133 negative. Of these 133 patients, 60 were submited to radical prostatectomy with or without lymphadenectomy. In these 133 patients with negative AS MRI, median PSA was 11ng/ml (1-51) and 27 (20,3%) had PSA>20ng/ml. In patients with positive AS MRI, only 1 had PSA<20ng/ml and predominant Gleason grade 3. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that AS MRI assessement is especially usefull in patients who are most likely to have bone metastasis that is to say those with PSA>20ng/ml and/or predominant Gleason grade 4. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

[A long distance between home and hospital does not bother ambulatory surgery for ureteroscopy in French Guyana]. / Une grande distance entre le domicile et l'hôpital ne contre-indique pas l'ambulatoire pour urétéroscopie en Guyane française.

INTRODUCTION: French Guyana is 83,500 km2 wide (equivalent to 1/6 of France). Communes are distant. Public urology is set in Kourou only. These particularities led to develop ambulatory urological surgery including for patients living far away from the reference centre. We report our experience with patient ureteroscopy (URS). MATERIAL: The study is retrospective (2018-2019), and includes 125 patients. Among these patients, 19.2% live in Kourou, 71.1% live 40 to 100km from the hospital and 9.7% beyond 100km. Every patient had an outpatient procedure for rigid and/or flexible URS to treat stone disease, including in lower calyx [LC] (38.4%). Ambulatory surgery was also proposed to the patients living away with the usual restrictions. Complications, results and switch to conventional hospitalisation (CH) were studied. RESULTS: Mean stone size was 10,5mm (4-30), stone density was 1030 UH (470-1700). The postoperative complication rate was 4%. There were 90.4% 'stone free' patients (85.4% for LC). One patient was rehospitalised within 48hours for acute flank pain and 9 patients had a switch of ambulatory to CH: 6 for discharge too late and 3 for complication (fever and/or pain). Distance between home and hospital was linked neither to complication rate, nor to switch to CH. CONCLUSION: Ambulatory URS is possible without further complications in selected patients living beyond 100km from the hospital, because of a specific organisation and an appropriate training of the caregivers involved in postoperative patient care. LEVEL OF PROOF: 3.

[Epidemiology of prostate cancer (PCa) in French Guyana (FG) - Preliminary results]. / Épidémiologie du cancer de la prostate en Guyane française ­ Données préliminaires.

INTRODUCTION: Epidemiology of prostate cancer (PCa) in French Guyana (FG) is not well documented yet. It differs from the reported one in French West Indies due to a younger population, less exposed to agricultural pesticides with also much lower level of medical information and care. MATERIAL: The incidence and mortality rates available in the regional register of cancers are reported for the period 2010-2014. The characteristics of 242 consecutive prostate biopsy series performed between 2017 January and 2019 October for abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE) and/or PSA>4ng/mL are also described. RESULTS: PCa incidence in FG is 94.4°/°°°° and specific mortality 16.9°/°°°°. Among the biopsies, 77.7% (188/242) are positive with a mean PSA of 72.6ng/mL (1-4000) at a mean age of 66years (50-89), 34% (64/188) with an abnormal DRE, 12.3% (23/188) with a PSA>50ng/mL and 28.2% (53/188) with a Gleason score≥8. CONCLUSION: In spite of young population, less exposure to environmental risk factors and high rate of racial mixing, the early PCa diagnosis is still a challenge in FG. The observed incidence and mortality rates suggest underestimation of PCa cases and too late specific care what is also suggested by adverse pathological and biological characteristics of the tumors at the time of diagnosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Electroconvulsive therapy for catatonia in juvenile neuropsychiatric lupus.

Neuropsychiatric manifestations are serious and frequent complications of systemic lupus erythematous (SLE). Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by motor disturbance (including waxy flexibility and catalepsy), stupor, excitement, negativism, mutism, echopraxia and echolalia. Catatonia associated with SLE has been only rarely reported, especially in children. Here we present a case of a 14-year-old patient encountered in consultation-liaison psychiatry who presented catatonia associated with SLE. Her catatonia was refractory to treatment with pulse methylprednisolone, intravenous cyclophosphamide and rituximab. The patient responded to a combined therapy of electroconvulsive therapy and benzodiazepines. The present case suggests that although rarely reported, catatonia seen in the background of SLE should be promptly identified and treated to reduce the morbidity.

Cholesterol in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease in a birth cohort over 14 years.

Animal epidemiological and clinical studies suggest that cholesterol is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Nevertheless, the relation of cholesterol to mild cognitive impairment (MCI), influence of APOE genotype and its changes in lifespan is controversial. We investigated the potential impact of plasma total cholesterol (TC) on development of MCI and AD in the interdisciplinary longitudinal study on adult development and aging, a representative birth cohort (born 1930-1932), examined in 1993/1994 (VT1), 1997/1998 (VT2), and 2005/2007 (VT3). Of 500 participants at baseline, 381 survived and were examined at VT3. After exclusion of participants with lifetime prevalence of major psychiatric diseases or mild cognitive disorder due to a medical condition, 222 participants were included in the analysis. At VT3, 82 participants had MCI, 22 participants had AD, and 118 were in good health. Participants with MCI and AD at VT3 evidenced higher TC levels at VT1 than those who were healthy. Higher TC levels at baseline were associated with an increased risk for cognitive disorders at VT3 (highest vs. lowest quartile: OR 2.64, 95 % CI 1.12-6.23, p < 0.05). Over the 14 year follow-up, TC levels declined in those with MCI and AD, but remained stable in those who remained healthy. These findings were not modified by APOE genotype or use of cholesterol-lowering medications. Our findings demonstrate that higher TC levels are observed long before the clinical manifestation of MCI and AD in patients without psychiatric or somatic comorbidities and are independent of APOE genotype.

Premorbid personality traits and their course in mild cognitive impairment: results from a prospective population-based study in Germany.

BACKGROUND: Personality traits contribute to cognitive functioning. We present a study comparing personality traits in normal ageing and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS: We conducted a representative longitudinal study including 222 subjects from a cohort born between 1930 and 1932 (n = 500) examined at three examination waves (t1: 1993/1994; t2: 1997/1998; t3: 2005/2007). Personality traits were assessed with the NEO-Five-Factor Inventory questionnaire. RESULTS: Healthy controls and patients with MCI showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease concerning their levels of neuroticism and extraversion over time. MCI subjects scored significantly higher on neuroticism at baseline and lower on openness at all examinations compared to healthy controls. Subjects with higher baseline neuroticism showed a 2.24 times higher risk of developing MCI at the third follow-up (odds ratio = 2.24, 95% confidence interval = 1.12-4.45 - scores adjusted for education and sex). CONCLUSIONS: MCI subjects differ in their premorbid personality traits compared to healthy controls. According to our study, higher neuroticism should be considered a risk factor for the development of MCI.

[Symptoms and imaging diagnostics of neurodegenerative dementia]. / Klinik und bildgebende Diagnostik neurodegenerativer Demenzen.

A variety of neurodegenerative diseases can underlie dementia syndromes. In addition to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its prodromal stages, these include in particular frontotemporal degeneration, Lewy body dementia and Parkinson's dementia, progressive supranuclear paresis, corticobasal degeneration and chorea Huntington. Although not classified as a neurodegenerative brain disease, for all clinical diagnoses there must be a differential diagnostic separation from vascular forms of dementia. Furthermore an exclusion of affective disorders, such as minor depression is necessary from a clinical psychiatric perspective. Moreover the preclinical stages of AD often present with uncharacteristic symptoms. Especially affective symptoms can occur in addition to initial cognitive deficits such as memory decline. In summary, clinical and neuropsychological procedures together with functional imaging techniques allow a detailed diagnostic assessment of neurodegenerative dementia syndromes which can be additionally supported by neurochemical biomarkers and innovative imaging procedures, such as diffusion imaging or magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Implementing family-focused HIV care and treatment: the first 2 years' experience of the mother-to-child transmission-plus program in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.

OBJECTIVES: To describe a family-focused approach to HIV care and treatment and report on the first 2 years experience of implementing the mother-to-child transmission (MTCT)-plus program in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. PROGRAM: The MTCT-plus initiative aims to enroll HIV-infected pregnant and postpartum women in comprehensive HIV care and treatment for themselves and their families. MAIN OUTCOMES: Between August 2003 and August 2005, 605 HIV-infected pregnant or postpartum women and 582 HIV-exposed infants enrolled. Of their 568 male partners reported alive, 52% were aware of their wife's HIV status and 30% were tested for HIV; 53% of these tested partners were found to be HIV-infected and 78% enrolled into the program. Overall only 10% of the women enrolled together with their infected partner. On the other hand, the program involved half of the seronegative men who came for voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) in the care of their families. Of 1624 children <15 years reported alive by their mothers (excluding the last newborn infants of the most recent pregnancy systematically screened for HIV), only 10.8% were brought in for HIV testing, of whom 12.3% were found to be HIV-infected. LESSONS LEARNED AND CHALLENGES: The family-focused model of HIV care pays attention to the needs of families and household members. The program was successful in enrolling HIV women, their partners and infants in continuous follow-up. However engaging partners and family members of newly enrolled women into care involves numerous challenges such as disclosure of HIV status by women to their partners and family members. Further efforts are required to understand barriers for families accessing HIV services as strategies to improve partner involvement and provide access to care for other children in the households are needed in this West African urban setting.

Actualización en el manejo de la isquemia mesentérica aguda

La isquemia mesentérica aguda (IMA) es una emergencia médico-quirúrgica poco frecuente con alta morbimortalidad. Corresponde a una interrupción brusca del aporte sanguíneo a un segmento del intestino, produciendo isquemia, daño celular, necrosis intestinal y eventualmente la muerte. La principal etiología de este cuadro es la oclusión arterial de tipo embólica, seguida por la trombótica, no oclusiva y trombótica venosa. Es una patología infrecuente con una incidencia baja, de 12 por 100.000 habitantes en series internacionales. Su principal síntoma es el dolor abdominal tipo cólico de comienzo brusco, vómitos y diarrea, esta última sucediendo posteriormente. En el examen físico se pueden constatar signos de shock y distensión abdominal. Ante la sospecha, los pacientes hemodinámicamente inestables deben ser llevados urgentemente a laparotomía exploradora, y en aquellos estables, se debe solicitar un Angio-TC para confirmar el diagnóstico y planificar el tratamiento. Existen dos métodos para tratar esta patología: la cirugía abierta y la cirugía endovascular o mínimamente invasiva. Finalmente, con el avance de estos nuevos métodos, la tasa de mortalidad ha disminuido, significativamente, en la última década.

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a rare medical-surgical emergency that must be treated early due to its high morbidity and mortality. It corresponds to a sudden interruption of the blood supply to a segment of the intestine, producing ischemia, cell damage, intestinal necrosis and eventually death if it is not treated. The main etiology of this condition is embolic-type arterial occlusion, followed by thrombotic, nonocclusive, and venous thrombotic. It is an infrequent pathology with a low incidence of 12 per 100,000 inhabitants in international series. During the information collection, no data was found on the Chilean population since before 1983. Its main symptom is colicky abdominal pain with a sudden onset, vomiting and diarrhea that begins after the pain. On physical examination, signs of shock and abdominal distention may be noted. Hemodynamically unstable patients should be urgently taken to exploratory laparotomy as soon as the condition is suspected, and in stable patients, an angio-CT should be requested to confirm the diagnosis and plan treatment. There are two methods to treat this pathology, open surgery and endovascular or minimally invasive surgery. The form of therapy depends on the preoperative or intraoperative findings and the type of etiology. Finally, with the advancement of these new methods, the mortality rate has decreased in the last decade.

Sensitivity of cerebellar glutathione system to neonatal ionizing radiation exposure.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are relevant components of living organisms that, besides their role in the regulation of different important physiological functions, when present in excess are capable to affect cell oxidative status, leading to damage of cellular molecules and disturbance of normal cell function. ROS accumulation has been associated with a variety of conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases and ionizing radiation exposure. Cell ability to counteract ROS overproduction depends on the capacity of the endogenous antioxidant defenses--which includes the glutathione (GSH) system--to cope with. Since developing central nervous system (CNS) is especially sensitive to ROS-induced damage, the aim of the present work was to evaluate ROS, reduced GSH and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels in the cerebellum at different developmental ages after irradiation, in order to test if any changes were induced on these key oxidative stress-related cellular markers that might explain the high cerebellar vulnerability to radiation-induced injury. Since intracellular levels of GSH are maintained by glutathione reductase (GSHr), this enzymatic activity was also evaluated. Newborn Wistar rats were irradiated in their cephalic ends and the different parameters were measured, from 1h to 90 days post-irradiation. Results showed that an early transient increase in ROS levels followed by a decrease in cerebellar weight at 3-5 days post-irradiation were induced. An increase in cerebellar GSH levels was induced at 30 days after irradiation, together with a decrease in GSHr activity. These results support the hypothesis that ROS may represent a marker of damage prior to radiation-induced cell death. In contrast, it would be suggested that GSH system might play a role in the compensatory mechanisms triggered to counteract radiation-induced cerebellar damage.

Results of a tuberculosis-specific IFN-gamma assay in children at high risk for tuberculosis infection.

The specificity of the tuberculin skin test (TST) for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is adversely affected by bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination and infection with non-tuberculous mycobacteria. Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) using TB-specific antigens promise higher specificity. We compared a new IGRA and TST in 184 schoolchildren at high risk for LTBI. The IGRA and TST were positive in 33.2% and 43.5% of the children, respectively (P < 0.001). If studies confirm that this difference is due to higher specificity of this IGRA, it may have an important role to play in the diagnosis of LTBI and identification of children at true risk for TB.

Long-term adherence to first-line highly active antiretroviral therapy in a hospital-based cohort: predictors and impact on virologic response and relapse.

A high level of adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is essential to minimize the risk of treatment failure and HIV disease progression. This cohort study evaluated the prevalence and predictors of long-term adherence with first-line HAART in a hospital-based unselected sample of HIV patients from central Italy, and examined the association between adherence and virological response or relapse. Between July 1996 and June 2004, 171 patients (67.3% males; mean age, 41.2 years) were followed for at least 24 weeks and up to 8 years. Adherence was measured by patient self-reports and confirmed using pharmacy records. The prevalence of high-level adherence (>or=90%) at 6 months was 88.3%; slightly less than 80% at 12 months. The incidence of adherence failure in the sample remained fairly stable until 24 months of follow-up, then it declined about 5% every 6 months. Cox analysis showed that compared to single/separated patients, homeless and married persons were, respectively, 1.95 times more likely and two times less likely to experience adherence failure (p < 0.05). The adjusted risk of adherence failure among patients who did not suffer drug-related toxicity was 0.57 (p < 0.05). Medication adherence was significantly associated with shorter time to virological response and longer time to relapse. Adherents were 1.69 times more likely to achieve viral suppression and nine times less likely to experience relapse than nonadherents (p < 0.01). Efforts at improving adherence should be prolonged for at least 24 months. A protective role of marriage for adherence failure is promising but requires confirmation in further research, that should also clarify the exact mechanisms determining the association.

Epidemiología de la pancreatitis aguda en Chile entre los años 2013 y 2018 / Epidemiology of acute pancreatitis in Chile between 2013 and 2018

Background: The worldwide incidence of acute pancreatitis (AP) is increasing. Aim: To determine the national incidence of AP between 2013 and 2018. Material and Methods: Analysis of hospital discharge records available at the web page of the Statistical and Information Service of the Chilean Ministry of Health. We recorded the number of patients discharged with a diagnosis of AP, excluding chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, between 2013 and 2018. We also recorded length of hospital stay, age, etiology, and lethality. Rates of raw and age-adjusted incidence were calculated. Results: During the study period, 46,420 patients with AP were discharged, with an incidence rate ranging between 39 and 43.7/100,000 inhabitants, and a non-significant increase along time of 8.6%. There are important differences between the average adjusted rates of Northern (Arica to Metropolitan) and Southern regions (O'Higgins to Magallanes), with rates of 36.9 and 53.6/100,000 inhabitants respectively (p < 0.01). The average hospital stay was 11 days. Two thirds of cases were aged between 20 and 64 years. The case fatality was 4.2%, with no decrease between 2013 and 2018. The mortality rate was 1.6/100,000 inhabitants. Conclusions: The annual incidence of AP is 42.6/100,000 inhabitants, with geographical differences from North to South, which can be associated with the high frequency of biliary tract disease in aboriginal ethnic groups. The age distribution and length hospital stay were stable over time.

Acalasia y su relación con el cáncer esofágico / Esophageal acalasia and its relationship with esophageal cancer

Resumen La acalasia es un trastorno motor primario de la musculatura lisa esofágica que se caracteriza por disfagia, pseudorregurgitación y baja de peso. El tratamiento puede ser endoscópico o quirúrgico. Sólo se conocen los resultados a largo plazo de la cirugía, mientras que los endoscópicos tienen aún un seguimiento muy corto y no permiten sacar conclusiones valederas. La acalasia es una lesión que tiene una probabilidad significativamente mayor de desarrollar un cáncer esofágico, ya sea de tipo epidermoide, por inflamación crónica y retención de comida en el esófago, o un adenocarcinoma, secundario a reflujo gastroesofágico, que aparece posterior a cualquier tratamiento. Las publicaciones muestran que alrededor de 3% a 4% de los pacientes presentan a largo plazo, sobre 10 a 15 años postratamiento, el desarrollo de un cáncer avanzado del esófago. Se concluye que es indispensable un seguimiento clínico y endoscópico en forma rutinaria a estos pacientes.

Achalasia is a primary motor disorder of the esophageal smooth muscle characterized by dysphagia, pseudoregurgitation, and weight loss. Treatment can be endoscopic or surgical. The long-term results are only known from surgery, while endoscopic results still have a very short follow-up and do not allow us to draw valid conclusions. Achalasia is a lesión that has a significantly higher probability of developing esophageal cancer, whether of the epidermoid type, due to chronic inflammation and food retention in the esophagus, or an adenocarcinoma, secondary to gastroesophageal reflux, which appears after any treatment. Publications show that about 3 to 4% of patients present in time, about 10 to 15 years after treatment, the development of advanced cancer of the esophagus. It is concluded that clinical and endoscopic follow-up is essential in these patients on a routine basis.

Conducta actual frente la hemorragia digestiva alta: desde el diagnóstico al tratamiento / Current behavior against Upper Digestive Hemorrhage: from diagnosis to treatment

Resumen La hemorragia digestiva alta (HDA) es una emergencia médico-quirúrgica común que debe ser tratada precozmente por su alta morbimortalidad. Corresponde a sangrado del esófago, estómago o del duodeno proximal, y se divide en etiología no variceal y variceal. Dentro de las no variceales destaca la úlcera péptica como la más frecuente, siendo esta producida por un desbalance entre factores protectores y agresivos. Por otro lado, en las hemorragias variceales destacan las várices gastroduodenales, las cuales son consecuencia del aumento de la presión portal. La incidencia de la HDA a nivel mundial varía entre 37 a 172 casos por cada 100.000 habitantes por año y la mortalidad entre un 5 y un 14% según diferentes estudios. Lamentablemente, no existen cifras nacionales fidedignas de incidencia y prevalencia. El médico debe conocer bien la presentación clínica y la fisiopatología para ser asertivo en la sospecha, diagnóstico y manejo de esta patología. En cuanto al tratamiento, el enfrentamiento se divide en el manejo de urgencias y luego endoscópico, puesto que la resucitación temprana intensiva puede reducir la morbimortalidad en pacientes con HDA. A continuación se hará una revisión actualizada enfocada en los aspectos más relevantes del manejo de esta patología. Se obtuvieron los datos de Pubmed y Scielo, específicamente la búsqueda de artículos originales y de revisiones sistemáticas con las palabras "hemorragia digestiva alta", "úlcera péptica", "várices esofágicas" y otras relacionadas. Los criterios usados fueron artículos preferentemente menores a 5 años de publicación en revistas científicas de alto índice de impacto.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UHD) is a common medical-surgical emergency that must be treated early due to its high morbidity and mortality. It corresponds to bleeding from the esophagus, stomach, or proximal duodenum, and is divided into non-variceal and variceal etiology. Among the non-variceal, the peptic ulcer stands out as the most frequent, being this produced by an imbalance between protective and aggressive factors. On the other hand, in variceal hemorrhages gastroduodenal varices stand out, are a consequence of increased portal pressure. The incidence of HDA worldwide varies between 37 to 172 cases per 100,000 inhabitants per year and mortality between 5 to 14% according to different studies. Unfortunately, there are no reliable national statistics of incidence and prevalence. The physician must have a good understanding of the clinical presentation and pathophysiology to be assertive in the suspicion, diagnosis, and management of this pathology. Regarding treatment, the confrontation is divided into emergency management and then endoscopic, because early intensive resuscitation can reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with UHD. This is an updated review which will be focused on the most relevant aspects of the management of this pathology. Data were obtained from Pubmed and Scielo, specifically searching for original articles and systematic reviews with the words "upper gastrointestinal bleeding", "peptic ulcer", "esophageal varices" and other related words. The criteria used were articles preferably less than 5 years old in scientific journals with a high impact index.

Evaluating an intervention for homeless persons: results of a field experiment.

An intensive case management intervention for homeless persons was evaluated by random assignment of 202 cases (involving 213 adults and 70 children) to the intervention or a control group. Full follow-up data (4 interviews: at baseline and at 6-, 12-, and 18-month follow-ups) were available on 98 cases (105 adults and 37 children). The follow-up rates for the 2 groups were not significantly different. Based on 13 repeated measures analyses, there were 3 statistically significant linear time effects (indicating overall change across the follow-up period) and 3 linear Time x Condition interactions (indicating differential change over time for intervention vs. control participants). Regardless of condition, adult participants improved in terms of their experience of homelessness, as well as on physical health symptoms and stressful life events. Condition x Time interactions indicating positive intervention impact were observed on the quality of housing environments, stressful life events, and interviewer ratings of psychopathology.

Distinguishing homelessness from poverty: a comparative study.

To separate the characteristics of the homeless from those of the housed poor, 144 adults were randomly sampled from several sites, yielding 3 groups: the currently homeless (n = 59), the previously (but not currently) homeless (n = 31), and the never-homeless poor (n = 54). The homeless were significantly less likely to be receiving public benefits, were more likely to have a DSM-III (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [3rd ed.; American Psychiatric Association, 1980]) diagnosis of substance abuse, showed higher levels of self-rated psychological distress and were more likely to be victims of recent domestic violence and to have been physically abused as children. The homeless did not differ from the comparison groups on DSM-III diagnosis of severe mental illness (schizophrenia or major affective disorder). physical health symptoms, and social support and social networks.

Homelessness in the United States. An ecological perspective.

This article presents an ecological perspective on homelessness that emphasizes the context in which homeless people live and the complex interactions between personal, social, economic, and service system resources that affect their well-being. The ecological perspective encourages researchers and program developers to assess the problems of homelessness at multiple levels of analysis, to view homelessness as a result of contextual factors that interact with individual and family vulnerabilities, and to assess carefully the social contexts in which researchers and program developers operate. Four ecological principles are described as a heuristic for research, intervention, and policy development. The implications of an ecological perspective for psychologists who wish to get involved in dealing with homelessness are discussed.