A recent systematic literature review of eight research studies has shown that the rate of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is higher amongst homeless people than the general population.  The results from this collection of information, which had never before been reviewed in a scientific study, will significantly affect those who are at risk of becoming, or who are, homeless.

Most case studies and data samples collected and analyzed in this research had many flaws, including small sample sizes of mostly men and poor qualitative studies and documentation.  However, the results from the studies showed that the rate of traumatic brain injury within the homeless cases ranged from 8% to 53%, far higher than the rate for the general population.  Regardless of the imperfect research parameters, the findings should still be taken seriously and reflect an absolute relationship between TBI and the homeless population.

Now that the correlation between the rate of TBI and homelessness is known, it is important for caregivers of homeless people, or people at risk of becoming homeless, to be trained on, and educated about, traumatic brain injury.  Additionally, those who are homeless, their families, and public policy workers should be aware of the risks of TBI.