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Idzerda L, Corrin T, Lazarescu C, Couture A, Vallières E, Khan S, Tarasuk V, McIntyre L, Jaramillo Garcia A. Public policy interventions to mitigate household food insecurity in Canada: a systematic review. Public Health Nutr 2024; 27:e83. [PMID: 38224084 PMCID: PMC10966928 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980024000120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this systematic review is to synthesise the evidence on public policy interventions and their ability to reduce household food insecurity (HFI) in Canada. DESIGN Four databases were searched up to October 2023. Only studies that reported on public policy interventions that might reduce HFI were included, regardless of whether that was the primary purpose of the study. Title and abstract screening, full-text screening, data extraction, risk of bias and certainty of the evidence assessments were conducted by two reviewers. RESULTS Seventeen relevant studies covering three intervention categories were included: income supplementation, housing assistance programmes and food retailer subsidies. Income supplementation had a positive effect on reducing HFI with a moderate to high level of certainty. Housing assistance programmes and food retailer studies may have little to no effect on HFI; however, there is low certainty in the evidence that could change as evidence emerges. CONCLUSION The evidence suggests that income supplementation likely reduces HFI for low-income Canadians. Many questions remain in terms of how to optimise this intervention and additional high-quality studies are still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne Idzerda
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health
Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario,
Canada
| | - Tricia Corrin
- Scientific Operations and Response, Public Health Agency of
Canada,Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Calin Lazarescu
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health
Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario,
Canada
| | - Alix Couture
- Regional Operations, Public Health Agency of Canada,
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Eric Vallières
- Regional Operations, Public Health Agency of Canada,
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sara Khan
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada,
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Valerie Tarasuk
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of
Toronto, Toronto, Ontario,
Canada
| | - Lynn McIntyre
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary,
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Gaetz S, Bonakdar A, Ecker J, MacDonald C, Ilyniak S, Ward A, Kimura L, Vijayaratnam A, Banchani E. Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Housing First for Youth Intervention for Youth Experiencing Homelessness in Canada: Protocol for a Multisite, Mixed Methods Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e46690. [PMID: 37725430 PMCID: PMC10548326 DOI: 10.2196/46690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging evidence at the international level suggests that the Housing First approach could improve the housing stability of young people experiencing homelessness. However, there is a dearth of literature in Canada on whether the Housing First intervention for young people experiencing homelessness can improve outcomes including housing stability, health and well-being, and access to complementary supports. Adapted from the original Housing First model, Housing First for Youth (HF4Y) was developed in Canada as a rights-based approach tailored specifically for young people aged 16 to 24 years who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness. OBJECTIVE The Making the Shift Youth Homelessness Social Innovation Lab is testing the effectiveness of the HF4Y intervention in Canada. The objective of this study is to determine whether the HF4Y model results in better participant-level outcomes than treatment-as-usual services for young people experiencing homelessness in 2 urban settings: Ottawa and Toronto, Ontario. Primary outcomes include housing stability, health and well-being, and complementary supports, and secondary outcomes include employment and educational attainment and social inclusion. METHODS The HF4Y study used a multisite, mixed methods, randomized controlled trial research approach for data collection and analysis. Eligible participants included young people aged 16 to 24 years who were experiencing homelessness or housing precarity. The participants were randomly assigned to either the treatment-as-usual group or the housing first intervention group. Survey and interview data in Ottawa and Toronto, Ontario are being collected at multiple time points (3-6 months) over 4 years to capture a range of outcomes. Analytic strategies for quantitative data will include mixed-effects modeling for repeated measures and logistic models. A thematic analysis will be used to analyze qualitative data based on participants' narratives and life journeys through homelessness. Furthermore, program fidelity evaluations are conducted within each HF4Y program. These evaluations assess how well the intervention aligns with the HF4Y model and identify any areas that may require adjustments or additional support. RESULTS The HF4Y study has received human participant research ethics approval from the Office of Research Ethics at York University. Recruitment was conducted between February 2018 and March 2020. Data collection is expected to be completed at both sites by March 2024. A preliminary analysis of the quantitative and qualitative data collected between baseline and 24 months is underway. CONCLUSIONS This pilot randomized controlled trial is the first to test the effectiveness of the HF4Y intervention in Canada. The findings of this study will enhance our understanding of how to effectively deliver and scale up the HF4Y intervention, with the aim of continually improving the HF4Y model to promote better outcomes for youth. TRIAL REGISTRATION International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) ISRCTN10505930; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN10505930. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/46690.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Gaetz
- Faculty of Education, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ahmad Bonakdar
- The Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - John Ecker
- The Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cora MacDonald
- The Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Ashley Ward
- The Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Emmanuel Banchani
- Faculty of Arts, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS, Canada
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Weightman AL, Kelson MJ, Thomas I, Mann MK, Searchfield L, Willis S, Hannigan B, Smith RJ, Cordiner R. Exploring the effect of case management in homelessness per components: A systematic review of effectiveness and implementation, with meta-analysis and thematic synthesis. CAMPBELL SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2023; 19:e1329. [PMID: 37206622 PMCID: PMC10189499 DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Background Adequate housing is a basic human right. The many millions of people experiencing homelessness (PEH) have a lower life expectancy and more physical and mental health problems. Practical and effective interventions to provide appropriate housing are a public health priority. Objectives To summarise the best available evidence relating to the components of case-management interventions for PEH via a mixed methods review that explored both the effectiveness of interventions and factors that may influence its impact. Search Methods We searched 10 bibliographic databases from 1990 to March 2021. We also included studies from Campbell Collaboration Evidence and Gap Maps and searched 28 web sites. Reference lists of included papers and systematic reviews were examined and experts contacted for additional studies. Selection Criteria We included all randomised and non-randomised study designs exploring case management interventions where a comparison group was used. The primary outcome of interest was homelessness. Secondary outcomes included health, wellbeing, employment and costs. We also included all studies where data were collected on views and experiences that may impact on implementation. Data Collection and Analysis We assessed risk of bias using tools developed by the Campbell Collaboration. We conducted meta-analyses of the intervention studies where possible and carried out a framework synthesis of a set of implementation studies identified by purposive sampling to represent the most 'rich' and 'thick' data. Main Results We included 64 intervention studies and 41 implementation studies. The evidence base was dominated by studies from the USA and Canada. Participants were largely (though not exclusively) people who were literally homeless, that is, living on the streets or in shelters, and who had additional support needs. Many studies were assessed as having a medium or high risk of bias. However, there was some consistency in outcomes across studies that improved confidence in the main findings. Case Management and Housing Outcomes Case management of any description was superior to usual care for homelessness outcomes (standardised mean difference [SMD] = -0.51 [95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.71, -0.30]; p < 0.01). For studies included in the meta-analyses, Housing First had the largest observed impact, followed by Assertive Community Treatment, Critical Time Intervention and Intensive Case Management. The only statistically significant difference was between Housing First and Intensive Case Management (SMD = -0.6 [-1.1, -0.1]; p = 0.03) at ≥12 months. There was not enough evidence to compare the above approaches with standard case management within the meta-analyses. A narrative comparison across all studies was inconclusive, though suggestive of a trend in favour of more intensive approaches. Case Management and Mental Health Outcomes The overall evidence suggested that case management of any description was not more or less effective compared to usual care for an individual's mental health (SMD = 0.02 [-0.15, 0.18]; p = 0.817). Case Management and Other Outcomes Based on meta-analyses, case management was superior to usual care for capability and wellbeing outcomes up to 1 year (an improvement of around one-third of an SMD; p < 0.01) but was not statistically significantly different for substance use outcomes, physical health, and employment. Case Management Components For homelessness outcomes, there was a non-significant trend for benefits to be greater in the medium term (≤3 years) compared to long term (>3 years) (SMD = -0.64 [-1.04, -0.24] vs. -0.27 [-0.53, 0]; p = 0.16) and for in-person meetings in comparison to mixed (in-person and remote) approaches (SMD = -0.73 [-1.25,-0.21]) versus -0.26 [-0.5,-0.02]; p = 0.13). There was no evidence from meta-analyses to suggest that an individual case manager led to better outcomes then a team, and interventions with no dedicated case manager may have better outcomes than those with a named case manager (SMD = -0.36 [-0.55, -0.18] vs. -1.00 [-2.00, 0.00]; p = 0.02). There was not enough evidence from meta-analysis to assess whether the case manager should have a professional qualification, or if frequency of contact, case manager availability or conditionality (barriers due to conditions attached to service provision) influenced outcomes. However, the main theme from implementation studies concerned barriers where conditions were attached to services. Characteristics of Persons Experiencing Homelessness No conclusions could be drawn from meta-analysis other than a trend for greater reductions in homelessness for persons with high complexity of need (two or more support needs in addition to homelessness) as compared to those with medium complexity of need (one additional support need); effect sizes were SMD = -0.61 [-0.91, -0.31] versus -0.36 [-0.68, -0.05]; p = 0.3. The Broader Context of Delivery of Case Management Programmes Other major themes from the implementation studies included the importance of interagency partnership; provision for non-housing support and training needs of PEH (such as independent living skills), intensive community support following the move to new housing; emotional support and training needs of case managers; and an emphasis on housing safety, security and choice. Cost Effectiveness The 12 studies with cost data provided contrasting results and no clear conclusions. Some case management costs may be largely off-set by reductions in the use of other services. Cost estimates from three North American studies were $45-52 for each additional day housed. Authors' Conclusions Case management interventions improve housing outcomes for PEH with one or more additional support needs, with more intense interventions leading to greater benefits. Those with greater support needs may gain greater benefit. There is also evidence for improvements to capabilities and wellbeing. Current approaches do not appear to lead to mental health benefits. In terms of case management components, there is evidence in support of a team approach and in-person meetings and, from the implementation evidence, that conditions associated with service provision should be minimised. The approach within Housing First could explain the finding that overall benefits may be greater than for other types of case management. Four of its principles were identified as key themes within the implementation studies: No conditionality, offer choice, provide an individualised approach and support community building. Recommendations for further research include an expansion of the research base outside North America and further exploration of case management components and intervention cost-effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark J. Kelson
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Environment, Science and EconomyUniversity of ExeterExeterUK
| | - Ian Thomas
- Wales Institute of Social and Economic Research and Data (WISERD)Cardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Mala K. Mann
- Specialist Unit for Review Evidence (SURE)Cardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Lydia Searchfield
- Specialist Unit for Review Evidence (SURE)Cardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Simone Willis
- Specialist Unit for Review Evidence (SURE)Cardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Ben Hannigan
- Mental Health Nursing, School of Healthcare SciencesCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | | | - Rhiannon Cordiner
- Specialist Unit for Review Evidence (SURE)Cardiff UniversityCardiffUK
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Leclair M, Latimer É, Lemieux A, Roy L, Nicholls T, Crocker AG. Au-delà du logement : l’effet hétérogène de Logement d’abord sur l’implication criminelle de personnes vivant avec un trouble mental. SANTÉ MENTALE AU QUÉBEC 2022. [DOI: 10.7202/1094144ar] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Lachaud J, Mejia-Lancheros C, Durbin A, Nisenbaum R, Wang R, O'Campo P, Stergiopoulos V, Hwang SW. The Effect of a Housing First Intervention on Acute Health Care Utilization among Homeless Adults with Mental Illness: Long-term Outcomes of the At Home/Chez-Soi Randomized Pragmatic Trial. J Urban Health 2021; 98:505-515. [PMID: 34181180 PMCID: PMC8382791 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-021-00550-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We assessed the effects of the Toronto Site Housing First (HF) intervention on hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits among homeless adults with mental illness over 7 years of follow-up. The Toronto Site is part of an unblinded multi-site randomized pragmatic trial of HF for homeless adults with mental illness in Canada, which followed participants up to 7 years. Five hundred seventy-five participants were recruited and classified as having high (HN) or moderate need (MN) for mental health support services. Each group was randomized into intervention (HF) and treatment as usual groups, and 567 (98.6%) consented to link their data to health administrative databases. HF participants received a monthly rent supplement of $600 (Canadian) and assertive community treatment (ACT) support or intensive care management (ICM) support based on need level. Treatment as usual (TAU) participants had access to social, housing, and health services generally available in the community. Outcomes included all-cause and mental health-specific hospitalization, number of days in hospital, and ED visit. We used GEE models to estimate ratio of rate ratios (RRR). The results showed HF with ACT had no significant effect on hospitalization rates among HN participants, but reduced the number of days in hospital (RRR = 0.32, 95% CI 0.16-0.63) and number of ED visits (RRR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.34-0.95). HF with ICM resulted in an increase in the number of hospitalizations (RRR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.09-2.60) and ED visit rates (RRR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.01-2.01) but had no effect in days in hospital for MN participants. Addressing the health needs of this population and reducing acute care utilization remain system priorities. Trial registration: http://www.isrctn.com/identifier: ISRCTN42520374.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Lachaud
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, 209 Victoria St, Toronto, ON, M5B 1T8, Canada.
| | - Cilia Mejia-Lancheros
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, 209 Victoria St, Toronto, ON, M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Anna Durbin
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, 209 Victoria St, Toronto, ON, M5B 1T8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rosane Nisenbaum
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, 209 Victoria St, Toronto, ON, M5B 1T8, Canada
- Applied Health Research Centre, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ri Wang
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, 209 Victoria St, Toronto, ON, M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Patricia O'Campo
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, 209 Victoria St, Toronto, ON, M5B 1T8, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Vicky Stergiopoulos
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, 209 Victoria St, Toronto, ON, M5B 1T8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen W Hwang
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, 209 Victoria St, Toronto, ON, M5B 1T8, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Lachaud J, Mejia-Lancheros C, Liu M, Wang R, Nisenbaum R, Stergiopoulos V, Hwang SW, O'Campo P. Severe Psychopathology and Substance Use Disorder Modify the Association Between Housing Trajectories and Food Security Among Homeless Adults. Front Nutr 2021; 8:608811. [PMID: 34055849 PMCID: PMC8152664 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.608811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: We examined the housing trajectories of homeless people with mental illness over a follow-up period of 6 years and the association of these trajectories with food security. We then examined the modifying role of psychopathology and alcohol and substance use disorders in this association. Materials and Methods: We followed 487 homeless adults with mental illness at the Toronto site of the At Home/Chez-Soi project-a randomized trial of Housing First. Food security data were collected seven times during the follow-up period. Psychopathology (Colorado Symptom Index score) and alcohol and substance use disorders were assessed at baseline. Housing trajectories were identified using group-based trajectory modeling. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between housing trajectory groups and food security. Results: Three housing trajectory groups were identified: rapid move to consistent stable housing (34.7%), slow and inconsistent housing (52.1%), and never moved to stable housing (13.2%). Individuals included in the rapid move to consistent housing trajectory group had higher odds of remaining food secure compared with those in the never moved to stable housing trajectory group over the follow-up period [AOR 2.9, 95% CI: 1.3-6.6, P-value: 0.009]. However, when interactions were considered, this association was significant among those with moderate psychopathology but not severe psychopathology. Individuals with substance use disorder and in the never moved to stable housing group had the lowest food security status. Discussion: Severe psychopathology and substance use disorders modified the association between housing trajectories and food security. International Standard Randomized Control Trial Number Register (ISRCTN42520374).
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Affiliation(s)
- James Lachaud
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cilia Mejia-Lancheros
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael Liu
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ri Wang
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rosane Nisenbaum
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Applied Health Research Centre, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Vicky Stergiopoulos
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen W. Hwang
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Patricia O'Campo
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Beacom E, Furey S, Hollywood L, Humphreys P. Investigating food insecurity measurement globally to inform practice locally: a rapid evidence review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2020; 61:3319-3339. [PMID: 32757973 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1798347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this review was to examine the methods used to measure food insecurity (FI) globally, to inform considerations relating to adopting a novel, or reviewing an existing, FI measurement approach in developed countries. Considerations for measurement are examined with particular applicability to the United Kingdom (UK) which has recently announced adoption of the US Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM) as an indicator to facilitate annual FI monitoring. This study uses a Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) methodological approach to systematically review the literature on FI measurement and considers: geographical jurisdiction, methodological approach, sampling strategy, FI indicator(s) used, and implications for measurement. Results found that the majority of papers reviewed emanate from North America with the US Household Food Security Scale Module (HFSSM) and its various adapted forms being the most commonly reported indicator. FI is becoming a key concern within developed countries with a range of indicators being used to report on the severity of the issue. This paper provides a contribution to knowledge by: (i) identifying various approaches to FI measurement and commonalities of existing measurement approaches; (ii) providing a summation of the methodologies and findings of studies relating to FI measurement, and associated implications for measurement, (iii) providing a justification evidenced by the literature for the adoption of the HFSSM in the UK; and (iv) assessing the methodological usefulness of a REA review. Understanding the components of robust FI indicators and their effectiveness can help inform existing and novel measurement approaches to ensure that data collected on FI are meaningful and thereby useful to inform future policy work in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Beacom
- Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Ulster Business School, University of Ulster, Coleraine, UK
| | - Sinéad Furey
- Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Ulster Business School, University of Ulster, Coleraine, UK
| | - Lynsey Hollywood
- Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Ulster Business School, Ulster University, Belfast, UK
| | - Paul Humphreys
- Ulster Business School, University of Ulster, Jordanstown, UK
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Browne J, Ponce A. Assessing Food Insecurity in Individuals with Serious Mental Illness: A Pilot Training for Community Mental Health Providers. Community Ment Health J 2020; 56:1110-1114. [PMID: 32107661 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-020-00593-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Food insecurity (FI), or limited or uncertain access to food, is a significant public health issue, especially for individuals with serious mental illness. As such, mental health providers should regularly assess FI and link individuals to resources. The purpose of this project was to create and pilot test a provider training on FI assessment at a community mental health center. Fifteen providers participated in the training and completed surveys at post-training and one-month follow-up. Results suggested success in delivering an acceptable training that conveyed the importance of FI and inspired confidence in assessment. Yet, it was not sufficient to modify providers' FI assessment behavior. A brief training can effectively teach providers about FI and promote confidence in assessment; however, it is not adequate to change behavior. Future work should examine the provider training in a larger sample and wider variety of CMHC providers and explore ways to integrate FI assessment into existing practices to address implementation barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Browne
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill, 235 E. Cameron Ave, Davie Hall, CB #3270, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Allison Ponce
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE This review summarises and synthesises the existing literature on the relationship between food insecurity (FS) and mental health conditions among adult individuals experiencing homelessness. DESIGN Scoping review. Papers published between 1 January 2008 and 2 November 2018, searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and CINAHL, using homelessness, food security and mental health keywords. SETTING Global evidence. PARTICIPANTS Homeless adults aged 18 years or more. RESULTS Nine articles (eight cross-sectional and one longitudinal) were included in the present review. FS was measured using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, the United States Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Survey Module, as well as single-item or constructed measures. Depression and depressive symptoms were the most common mental health conditions studied. Other mental health conditions assessed included alcohol and substance use, emotional disorders, mental health problems symptoms severity and psychiatric hospitalisations. Composite measures such as axis I and II categories and a cluster of severe mental conditions and mental health-related functioning status were also analysed. FS and mental health-related problems were considered as both exposure and outcome variables. The existing evidence suggests a potential association between FS and several mental health conditions, particularly depression, mental health symptoms severity and poor mental health status scores. CONCLUSIONS This review suggests the potential association between some mental health conditions and FS among homeless adults. However, there is a need for more longitudinal- and interventional-based studies, in order to understand the nature and directionality of the links between FS and mental health in this population group.
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Lachaud J, Mejia-Lancheros C, Wang R, Wiens K, Nisenbaum R, Stergiopoulos V, Hwang SW, O'Campo P. Mental and substance use disorders and food insecurity among homeless adults participating in the At Home/Chez Soi study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232001. [PMID: 32324795 PMCID: PMC7179857 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have examined how food insecurity changes over time when living with severe mental disorders or substance use disorders. This study identifies food insecurity trajectories of homeless adults participating in a trial of a housing intervention and examines whether receiving the intervention and having specific mental and substance disorders predict food insecurity trajectories. MATERIALS AND METHODS We studied 520 participants in the Toronto site of the At Home/Chez-Soi project. Food insecurity data were collected at seven times during a follow-up period of up to 5.5 years. Mental and substance use disorders were assessed at baseline. Food insecurity trajectories were identified using group based-trajectory modeling. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the effects of the intervention and mental and substance use disorders on food insecurity trajectories. RESULTS Four food insecurity trajectories were identified: persistently high food insecurity, increasing food insecurity, decreasing food insecurity, and consistently low food insecurity. Receiving the intervention was not a predictor of membership in any specific food insecurity trajectory group. Individuals with major depressive episode, mood disorder with psychotic features, substance disorder, and co-occurring disorder (defined as having at least one alcohol or other substance use disorder and at least one non-substance related mental disorder] were more likely to remain in the persistently high food insecurity group than the consistently low food insecurity group. CONCLUSION A persistently high level of food insecurity is common among individuals with mental illness who have experienced homelessness, and the presence of certain mental health disorders increases this risk. Mental health services combined with access to resources for basic needs, and re-adaptation training are required to enhance the health and well-being of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Lachaud
- MAP|Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka-Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cilia Mejia-Lancheros
- MAP|Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka-Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ri Wang
- MAP|Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka-Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kathryn Wiens
- MAP|Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka-Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rosane Nisenbaum
- MAP|Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka-Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Applied Health Research Centre, St Michael’s Hospital, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Vicky Stergiopoulos
- MAP|Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka-Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen W. Hwang
- MAP|Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka-Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Patricia O'Campo
- MAP|Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka-Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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11
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Kerman N, Sylvestre J. Surviving versus living life: Capabilities and service use among adults with mental health problems and histories of homelessness. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2020; 28:414-422. [PMID: 31577380 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The capabilities approach is a framework that can be applied to marginalised populations, including people with mental health problems and histories of homelessness, to measure well-being. Although a range of health and social services exist to address the many challenges associated with mental health problems and homelessness, the extent to which these services impact capabilities is unknown. This qualitative study explored the perspectives of people with mental health problems and histories of homelessness to understand how they perceived their service use as affecting their capabilities. In-depth interviews were conducted over a 1-year period beginning in October 2016 with 52 adults with mental health problems who were currently or formerly homeless and living in Ottawa, Canada. Data were analysed using first and second cycle coding, which involved line-by-line, descriptive coding followed by focused coding to categorise the data within a broadly applied capabilities framework. Findings showed that participants perceived many capability impairments in their lives, including nutritious food scarcities, limited material rights, social role deprivations, social isolation and insufficient income to participate in recreational activities. Services used by participants had mixed, for better and worse, and limited effects on their capabilities (e.g., unable to overcome affordable housing shortages or financial barriers associated with some capability impairments). Furthermore, service use could promote one capability while hindering another, forcing people to choose between competing needs when using services. Overall, the capabilities approach offers a comprehensive, human rights-based framework that is relevant to people with mental health problems and histories of homelessness but the services used by this population primarily help people to survive life but not necessarily live life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Kerman
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - John Sylvestre
- Centre for Research on Educational and Community Services, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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12
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Hainstock M, Masuda JR. "We have a roof over our head, but we have to eat too:" Exploring shifting foodscapes from homelessness into Housing First in Kingston, Ontario. Health Place 2019; 59:102197. [PMID: 31518891 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2019.102197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People facing extended periods of homelessness exhibit a remarkable degree of agency and resilience in procuring food. The literature on foodscapes considers the sociospatial contexts of food procurement, finding that what happens within and along the way to sites of food acquisition and consumption are important considerations in fully understanding and realizing food security. PURPOSE This study explores the shift in foodscapes of people who are transitioning from homelessness into scattered-site independent housing via a municipal Housing First program and considers implications for health and wellbeing. METHODS Our mixed-method approach included observational research at 11 local food providers and drop-in centres that provided context for semi-structured interviews with 10 Housing First clients in Kingston, Ontario between November 2016 and March 2017. RESULTS The findings confirm that the provision of stable housing makes it possible for people to store, prepare, and consume food at home. An increased ability to have control over when, where, and what is eaten had a positive impact on people's sense of health and wellbeing. However, other effective markers of wellbeing were enacted along people's everyday routines and activities that had negative impacts. Interviewees remained heavily dependent on charitable food programs, including increased use of foodbanks. Others reported increasing detachment and social isolation from previously established food routines. Finally, the structured transition perpetuated a circuit of dependence and marginalization that fell short of contributing to improved food security as well as health and wellbeing. IMPLICATIONS Understanding the relational geography of foodscape transitions is critical to the design of effective Housing First programs. Addressing the root causes of homelessness and poverty requires investments in comprehensive housing strategies including adequate social assistance and community supports that take a sociospatially holistic approach to wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison Hainstock
- Queen's University, School of Kinesiology & Health Studies, 28 Division Street, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - Jeffrey R Masuda
- Queen's University, School of Kinesiology & Health Studies, 28 Division Street, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada.
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13
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Isaacs A, Beauchamp A, Sutton K, Kocaali N. Care Coordination Can Reduce Unmet Needs of Persons With Severe and Persistent Mental Illness. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:563. [PMID: 31447714 PMCID: PMC6697021 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Persons with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) have multiple and complex needs, many of which are not health related. Mental health services are unable to address these needs without collaboration with other agencies. In the absence of this collaboration, persons with SPMI often fall through the system cracks and are unlikely to experience recovery. Furthermore, previous studies have shown that unmet accommodation needs are associated with unmet needs in other areas. This study aimed to ascertain whether a care coordination model adopted in Australia's Partners in Recovery [PIR] initiative was able to reduce unmet needs in such persons and also if meeting accommodation needs were associated with meeting other needs. Methods: This was a longitudinal study where met and unmet needs of clients measured using the Camberwell Assessment of Needs Short Appraisal Schedule (CANSAS) were compared at enrolment and exit from the PIR initiative. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between change in accommodation needs and change in other CANSAS variables. Results: In total, 337 clients (66% of 508 clients) had both baseline and follow-up data and were seen within the time frame of 14 to 101 weeks. At baseline, the most frequently reported unmet needs were psychological distress, daytime activity, and company (89%, 72%, and 67%, respectively). At follow-up, these had decreased to 27%, 22%, and 22%, respectively. The proportions of clients with an unmet need at baseline who subsequently progressed to having that need met at follow-up ranged between 62% and over 90%. Change in accommodation needs from unmet to met was associated with changes in monetary needs and needs related to childcare, food, safety to self, education, and access to other services, with the greatest change seen for monetary needs (adjusted OR 2.87, 95% CI 1.76, 4.69). Conclusions: Reducing needs of persons with SPMI is the starting point of recovery and is a good indicator of psychiatric care. Care coordination is a useful way to address multiple and complex needs of persons with SPMI. While addressing needs, priority must be given to meeting accommodation needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Isaacs
- School of Rural Health, Monash University, Traralgon, VIC, Australia
| | - Alison Beauchamp
- Department of Rural Health, Monash University, Warragul, VIC, Australia
| | - Keith Sutton
- Department of Rural Health, Monash University, Warragul, VIC, Australia
| | - Nilay Kocaali
- Gippsland Primary Health Network, Traralgon, VIC, Australia
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14
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Persaud N, Steiner L, Woods H, Aratangy T, Wanigaratne S, Polsky J, Hwang S, Chahal G, Pinto A. Health outcomes related to the provision of free, tangible goods: A systematic review. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213845. [PMID: 30893372 PMCID: PMC6426236 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Free provision of tangible goods that may improve health is one approach to addressing discrepancies in health outcomes related to income, yet it is unclear whether providing goods for free improves health. We systematically reviewed the literature that reported the association between the free provision of tangible goods and health outcomes. METHODS A search was performed for relevant literature in all languages from 1995-May 2017. Eligible studies were observational and experimental which had at least one tangible item provided for free and had at least one quantitative measure of health. Studies were excluded if the intervention was primarily a service and the free good was relatively unimportant; if the good was a medication; or if the data in a study was duplicated in another study. Covidence screening software was used to manage articles for two levels of screening. Data was extracted using an adaption of the Cochrane data collection template. Health outcomes, those that affect the quality or duration of life, are the outcomes of interest. The study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42017069463). FINDINGS The initial search identified 3370 articles and 59 were included in the final set with a range of 20 to 252 246 participants. The risk of bias assessment revealed that overall, the studies were of medium to high quality. Among the studies included in this review, 80 health outcomes were statistically significant favouring the intervention, 19 health outcomes were statistically significant favouring the control, 141 health outcomes were not significant and significance was unknown for 28 health outcomes. INTERPRETATION The results of this systematic review provide evidence that free goods can improve health outcomes in certain circumstances, although there were important gaps and limitations in the existing literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nav Persaud
- Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Liane Steiner
- Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Hannah Woods
- Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Tatiana Aratangy
- Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Jane Polsky
- Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Stephen Hwang
- Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Gurleen Chahal
- Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Andrew Pinto
- Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- The Upstream Lab, Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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15
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Parpouchi M, Somers JM. Beyond Housing for Homeless People, It Is Crucial to Remediate Food Insecurity. Am J Public Health 2019; 109:535-536. [PMID: 30865507 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2019.304977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Milad Parpouchi
- Milad Parpouchi is a PhD candidate with and Julian M. Somers is with the Somers Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Julian M Somers
- Milad Parpouchi is a PhD candidate with and Julian M. Somers is with the Somers Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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16
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Hunt BR, Benjamins MR, Khan S, Hirschtick JL. Predictors of Food Insecurity in Selected Chicago Community Areas. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2019; 51:287-299. [PMID: 30316584 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Examine associations between food insecurity and multiple demographic, socioeconomic, acculturation, social risk factor, and food access variables. DESIGN Data are from Sinai Community Health Survey 2.0, a cross-sectional, population-based probability survey of adults. SETTING Ten selected community areas in Chicago. PARTICIPANTS Adults aged 18 years and over who completed the Household Food Security Scale (HFSS) portion of the survey were included in the analysis (n = 1,041). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Food insecurity as defined by the HFSS was the dependent variable. Independent variables included multiple demographic, socioeconomic, acculturation, social risk factor, and food access variables. ANALYSIS Multivariate logistic regression, along with a manual backward selection process, was used to examine predictors of food insecurity. A P of .05 was used to determine statistical significance. RESULTS Respondents reporting English as their primary language (odds ratio [OR] = 0.31; P = .002) had significantly lower odds of experiencing food insecurity. Respondents who reported feeling lonely (OR = 1.86; P = .024) had significantly higher odds of experiencing food insecurity. Emergency food use (OR = 3.89; P = .001) and food stamp benefit receipt (OR = 2.79; P = .001) were also associated with food insecurity. Race/ethnicity demonstrated a strong relationship with food insecurity in early models, but this relationship appeared to be mediated by language and social risk factors. In the final adjusted model, most demographic and socioeconomic variables, including race/ethnicity, gender, and education were not significantly associated with food insecurity. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The burden of food insecurity was not shared equally across populations. This analysis sheds light on significant predictors of food insecurity in several diverse communities in Chicago. Findings can help inform tailored interventions by guiding food assistance programs to those most in need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijou R Hunt
- Sinai Health System, Sinai Urban Health Institute, Chicago, IL.
| | | | - Sabena Khan
- Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Chicago Medical School, North Chicago, IL
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17
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Food Insecurity in Homeless Families in the Paris Region (France): Results from the ENFAMS Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15030420. [PMID: 29495563 PMCID: PMC5876965 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15030420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The number of families living in shelters in the Paris region (France) has increased by a factor of three in 10 years. In 2013, a survey was performed on homeless families in order to characterize their living conditions, their health needs, and the developmental problems in children. This probability survey was conducted in 17 languages among 801 homeless families sheltered in emergency centers for asylum-seekers, emergency housing centers, social rehabilitation centers, and social hotels in the Paris region. Among the 772 families that provided data on food security only 14.0% were with food security, whereas 43.3% were with low food security and 9.8% with very low food security (a situation where children are also affected). Stratified multivariate robust Poisson models showed that some characteristics are associated with a higher risk of food insecurity and/or of falling into very low food security, such as residential instability, single parenthood, having more than three children, depressive symptoms, housing in social hostels, and difficult access to cheap or free food locally. Given the wealth of the Paris region, resources and programs should be concentrated on improving the living situation of this vulnerable population. It needs better detection of these families, a closer social follow-up, and an increase in food aid.
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