Demographic and Health Characteristics in Hispanic versus non-Hispanic Groups Experiencing Homelessness in New Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined health disparities between Hispanic/Latino and non-Hispanic/Latino individuals experiencing homelessness. Nearly half the population in that State identifies as Hispanic/Latino. As homelessness is increasing nationally, we sought to examine how the Hispanic/Latino is represented among people experiencing homelessness in new Mexico, where homelessness is also increasing. METHODS: This study analyzed data from the 11-county survey in New Mexico of people experiencing homelessness, examining demographic characteristics, disease prevalence, and healthcare access between Hispanic/Latino and non-Hispanic/Latino individuals experiencing homelessness. Adults (≥ 18 years) self-reported demographic, living, and health information. Comparisons used descriptive statistics, proportions with 95% confidence intervals, and prevalence ratios (PRs). RESULTS: Of 525 interviews, 510 participants (97.1%) reported race/ethnicity and were analyzed. Among these, 193 (37.8%) self-identified as Hispanic/Latino, 342 (67.3%) were male, with median age 43 years (Interquartile Range (IQR) 34–54). Hispanic/Latino participants were significantly younger than non-Hispanic/Latino participants (median age 41 vs 51 years; p < 0.001) and had lower educational attainment (41% vs. 25% did not finish high school). Liver disease was more prevalent among Hispanic/Latino participants (PR = 1.39; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.0, 1.96). Mental health problems showed no significant differences between groups. Substance use patterns differed: Hispanic/Latino participants reported lower alcohol use (3%), but higher stimulant (27%) and opioid use (32%) compared to White non-Hispanic/Latino participants (4%, 19%, 11%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Significant age, health, and substance use disparities exist among Hispanic/Latino individuals experiencing homelessness in New Mexico, highlighting the need for targeted, culturally responsive interventions and further research into healthcare barriers for this vulnerable population.