Evaluation of General Health Status of Persons Living in Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Neighborhoods in a Large European Metropolitan City

Abstract

Background: Living in socio-economically disadvantaged neighborhoods can predispose persons to numerous health conditions. The purpose of this study was to report the general health conditions of persons living in disadvantaged neighborhoods in Rome, Italy, a large European metropolitan city. Participants were reached through the mobile facilities of the primary care services of the Dicastery for the Charity Services, Vatican City. Methods: People living in disadvantaged neighborhoods were reached with mobile medical units by doctors, nurses, and paramedics. Demographic characteristics, degree of social integration, housing conditions, and history of smoking and/or alcohol use were investigated. Unstructured interviews and general health assessments were performed to investigate common acute and/or chronic diseases, and history of positivity to COVID-19. Basic health parameters were measured; data were collected and analyzed. Results: Over a 10-month period, 436 individuals aged 18–95 years were enrolled in the study. Most lived in dormitories, whereas a few lived in unsheltered settings. Most participants (76%) were unemployed. Smoking and drinking habits were comparable to the general population. The most common pathological conditions were cardiovascular diseases in 103 subjects (23.39%), diabetes in 65 (14.9%), followed by musculoskeletal system disorders (11.7%), eye diseases (10.5%), psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and depression (9.2%), and chronic respiratory conditions (8.7%). Conclusions: Subjects in our sample showed several pathologic conditions that may be related to their living conditions, thus encouraging the development of more efficient and effective strategies for a population-tailored diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords

• homelessness
• fragile populations
• disadvantaged conditions
• general health assessment
• prevention