Homeless women's gynecological symptoms and use of medical care

Information is lacking on homeless women's gynecological symptoms and use o f medical care for symptoms. This paper documents and explains gynecologica l symptoms and conditions and use of medical care in a probability sample o f 974 reproductive-age (15-44) homeless women. Two-thirds of women reported symptoms during the previous year; 71 percent of those received medical ca re for their gynecological symptoms. Pregnancy, drug dependence, more episo des of homelessness, and general physical health symptoms were positively a ssociated with a number of gynecological symptoms. Gynecological symptoms, younger age, better perceived health, and insurance coverage were positivel y associated with medical care; women reporting recent drug use and rape re ceived less care. These findings support the importance of medical care and other treatment and support services for homeless women, including expande d care during pregnancy and substance abuse treatment. Health insurance cov erage and an interruption in the cycle of homelessness also appear vital to women's health.