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Alston J, Baral S, Orkin A, Straus S. Réduire l’itinérance chez les personnes âgées au Canada. CMAJ 2024; 196:E918-E922. [PMID: 39074858 PMCID: PMC11286181 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.231493-f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Alston
- Division de médecine gériatrique (Alston, Straus), Hôpital St. Michael; Département de médecine (Alston), Université de Toronto; Programme d'application des connaissances (Baral), Institut du savoir Li Ka Shing, Réseau catholique de soins de santé Unity Health de Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Département d'épidémiologie (Baral, Straus), École de santé publique Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Md.; Département de médecine d'urgence (Orkin), Centre de santé Saint-Joseph, Réseau catholique de soins de santé de Toronto; Santé publique Ontario et École Dalla Lana de santé publique, Université de Toronto, Toronto, Ont.
| | - Stefan Baral
- Division de médecine gériatrique (Alston, Straus), Hôpital St. Michael; Département de médecine (Alston), Université de Toronto; Programme d'application des connaissances (Baral), Institut du savoir Li Ka Shing, Réseau catholique de soins de santé Unity Health de Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Département d'épidémiologie (Baral, Straus), École de santé publique Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Md.; Département de médecine d'urgence (Orkin), Centre de santé Saint-Joseph, Réseau catholique de soins de santé de Toronto; Santé publique Ontario et École Dalla Lana de santé publique, Université de Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Aaron Orkin
- Division de médecine gériatrique (Alston, Straus), Hôpital St. Michael; Département de médecine (Alston), Université de Toronto; Programme d'application des connaissances (Baral), Institut du savoir Li Ka Shing, Réseau catholique de soins de santé Unity Health de Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Département d'épidémiologie (Baral, Straus), École de santé publique Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Md.; Département de médecine d'urgence (Orkin), Centre de santé Saint-Joseph, Réseau catholique de soins de santé de Toronto; Santé publique Ontario et École Dalla Lana de santé publique, Université de Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Sharon Straus
- Division de médecine gériatrique (Alston, Straus), Hôpital St. Michael; Département de médecine (Alston), Université de Toronto; Programme d'application des connaissances (Baral), Institut du savoir Li Ka Shing, Réseau catholique de soins de santé Unity Health de Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Département d'épidémiologie (Baral, Straus), École de santé publique Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Md.; Département de médecine d'urgence (Orkin), Centre de santé Saint-Joseph, Réseau catholique de soins de santé de Toronto; Santé publique Ontario et École Dalla Lana de santé publique, Université de Toronto, Toronto, Ont
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Eshun E, Burke O, Do F, Maciver A, Mathur A, Mayne C, Mohamed Jemseed AA, Novak L, Siddique A, Smith E, Tapia-Stocker D, FitzGerald A. Exploring the Role of Rehabilitation Medicine within an Inclusion Health Context: Examining a Population at Risk from Homelessness and Brain Injury in Edinburgh. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:769. [PMID: 38929015 PMCID: PMC11203637 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21060769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
People experiencing homelessness are at risk from a number of comorbidities, including traumatic brain injury, mental health disorders, and various infections. Little is known about the rehabilitation needs of this population. This study took advantage of unique access to a specialist access GP practice for people experiencing homelessness and a local inclusion health initiative to explore the five-year period prevalence of these conditions in a population of people experiencing homelessness through electronic case record searches and to identify barriers and facilitators to healthcare provision for this population in the context of an interdisciplinary and multispecialist inclusion health team through semi-structured interviews with staff working in primary and secondary care who interact with this population. The five-year period prevalence of TBI, infections, and mental health disorders was 9.5%, 4%, and 22.8%, respectively. Of those who had suffered a brain injury, only three had accessed rehabilitation services. Themes from thematic analysis of interviews included the impact of psychological trauma, under-recognition of the needs of people experiencing homelessness, resource scarcity, and the need for collaborative and adaptive approaches. The combination of quantitative and qualitative data suggests a potential role for rehabilitation medicine in inclusion health initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin Eshun
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Astley Ainslie Hospital, NHS Lothian, 133 Grange Loan, Edinburgh EH9 2HL, UK;
- Edinburgh Medical School, College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK (A.A.M.J.)
| | - Orla Burke
- Edinburgh Medical School, College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK (A.A.M.J.)
| | - Florence Do
- Edinburgh Medical School, College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK (A.A.M.J.)
| | - Angus Maciver
- Edinburgh Medical School, College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK (A.A.M.J.)
| | - Anushka Mathur
- Edinburgh Medical School, College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK (A.A.M.J.)
| | - Cassie Mayne
- Edinburgh Medical School, College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK (A.A.M.J.)
| | - Aashik Ahamed Mohamed Jemseed
- Edinburgh Medical School, College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK (A.A.M.J.)
| | - Levente Novak
- Edinburgh Medical School, College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK (A.A.M.J.)
| | - Anna Siddique
- Edinburgh Medical School, College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK (A.A.M.J.)
| | - Eve Smith
- Edinburgh Medical School, College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK (A.A.M.J.)
| | - David Tapia-Stocker
- Edinburgh Medical School, College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK (A.A.M.J.)
| | - Alasdair FitzGerald
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Astley Ainslie Hospital, NHS Lothian, 133 Grange Loan, Edinburgh EH9 2HL, UK;
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Alston J, Baral S, Orkin A, Straus S. Tackling late-life homelessness in Canada. CMAJ 2024; 196:E662-E665. [PMID: 38772604 PMCID: PMC11104570 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.231493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Alston
- Division of Geriatric Medicine (Alston, Straus), St. Michael's Hospital; Department of Medicine (Alston), University of Toronto; Knowledge Translation Program (Baral), Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Epidemiology (Baral, Straus), Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, Md.; Department of Emergency Medicine (Orkin), St. Joseph's Health Centre, Unity Health Toronto; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Orkin), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.
| | - Stefan Baral
- Division of Geriatric Medicine (Alston, Straus), St. Michael's Hospital; Department of Medicine (Alston), University of Toronto; Knowledge Translation Program (Baral), Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Epidemiology (Baral, Straus), Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, Md.; Department of Emergency Medicine (Orkin), St. Joseph's Health Centre, Unity Health Toronto; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Orkin), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Aaron Orkin
- Division of Geriatric Medicine (Alston, Straus), St. Michael's Hospital; Department of Medicine (Alston), University of Toronto; Knowledge Translation Program (Baral), Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Epidemiology (Baral, Straus), Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, Md.; Department of Emergency Medicine (Orkin), St. Joseph's Health Centre, Unity Health Toronto; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Orkin), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Sharon Straus
- Division of Geriatric Medicine (Alston, Straus), St. Michael's Hospital; Department of Medicine (Alston), University of Toronto; Knowledge Translation Program (Baral), Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Epidemiology (Baral, Straus), Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, Md.; Department of Emergency Medicine (Orkin), St. Joseph's Health Centre, Unity Health Toronto; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Orkin), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
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Yontz AK, Beane A, Frank T, Upham A, Patil DV, Pizzo D, Buie S, Halladay JR. Drivers of Being Unhoused and the Prevalence of Health Conditions among Unhoused Individuals in Asheville, NC. HCA HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF MEDICINE 2024; 5:75-85. [PMID: 38984228 PMCID: PMC11229599 DOI: 10.36518/2689-0216.1594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in the number of unhoused individuals in Asheville, North Carolina resulting in more tent encampments.Understanding the physical, mental, and socially determined health characteristics associated with being unhoused can help guide stakeholders with policy development, healthcare program planning, and funding decisions to support unhoused individuals. Methods In this study, we used an observational cross-section methodology. Using a convenience sample approach, we interviewed 101 participants who were receiving services from 2 emergency hotel shelters, a day center, and a resource center. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and open-ended responses were collected and grouped to provide context. Results Most participants were White (71%) and identified as male (76%). Over 60% reported having a high school education or advanced degree. Of the participants, 76% reported being unhoused for more than 6 months, and their last permanent housing was in Western North Carolina. Dental disease, chronic pain, and hypertension were common physical conditions. PTSD, depression, and anxiety were common mental health conditions. A lack of transportation was the most noted socially determined challenge. Marijuana, methamphetamine, and alcohol were the most often used substances, where methamphetamine was noted to be particularly problematic for the participants. Conclusion Understanding the physical, mental, and social issues of the complex unhoused population can assist policymakers, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders in addressing challenges and testing improvement strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea K Yontz
- Mountain Area Health Education Center, Asheville, NC
- Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
| | | | - Tessa Frank
- Mountain Area Health Education Center, Asheville, NC
| | - Amy Upham
- Eleanor Health Foundation, Asheville, NC
| | | | - Dan Pizzo
- Counterflow LLC, Asheville, NC, University of Colorado, Denver, CO
| | - Steve Buie
- Mountain Area Health Education Center, Asheville, NC
| | - Jacqueline R Halladay
- Department of Family Medicine, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
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Booth RG, Dasgupta M, Forchuk C, Shariff SZ. Prevalence of dementia among people experiencing homelessness in Ontario, Canada: a population-based comparative analysis. Lancet Public Health 2024; 9:e240-e249. [PMID: 38553143 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(24)00022-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive decline in people experiencing homelessness is an increasingly recognised issue. We compared the prevalence of dementia among people experiencing homelessness to housed individuals in the general population and those living in low-income neighbourhoods. METHODS We conducted a population-based, cross-sectional, comparative analysis using linked health-care administrative data from Ontario, Canada. We included individuals aged 45 years or older on Jan 1, 2019, who visited hospital-based ambulatory care (eg, emergency department), were hospitalised, or visited a community health centre in 2019; and identified people experiencing homelessness if they had one or more health-care records with an indication of homelessness or unstable housing. Prevalence of dementia was ascertained as of Dec 31, 2019, using a validated case definition for Alzheimer's disease and related dementia that was modified to include diagnoses made at a community health centre. Poisson models were used to generate estimates of prevalence. Estimates were compared with Ontarians that accessed any of the same health-care services over the same time, overall (general population group), and among those who were in the lowest quintile of area-based neighbourhood income (low-income group). FINDINGS 12 863 people experiencing homelessness, 475 544 people in the low-income comparator group, and 2 273 068 people in the general population comparator group were included in the study. Dementia prevalence was 68·7 per 1000 population among people experiencing homelessness, 62·6 per 1000 population in the low-income group, and 51·0 per 1000 population in the general population group. Descriptively, prevalence ratios between people experiencing homelessness and the comparator groups were highest within the ages of 55-64 years and 65-74 years in both sexes, ranging from 2·98 to 5·00. After adjusting for age, sex, geographical location of residence (urban vs rural), and health conditions associated with dementia, the prevalence ratio of dementia among people experiencing homelessness was 1·71 (95% CI 1·60-1·82) compared with the low-income group and 1·90 (1·79-2·03) compared with the general population group. INTERPRETATION People experiencing homelessness experience a high burden of dementia compared with housed populations in Ontario. Findings suggest that people experiencing homelessness might experience dementia at younger ages and could benefit from the development of proactive screening and housing interventions. FUNDING The Public Health Agency of Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard G Booth
- ICES Western, London, ON, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada; Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
| | - Monidipa Dasgupta
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada; Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Cheryl Forchuk
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada; Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Salimah Z Shariff
- ICES Western, London, ON, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada; Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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Engel L, Arowolo I, Ewesesan R, Khan MN, Ripat J, Bottari C, Hunt A, Poncet F, Karpa J. Contextual factors of financial capability and financial well-being for adults living with brain injury: a qualitative photovoice study. Brain Inj 2024; 38:273-281. [PMID: 38334038 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2024.2310210] [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: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the contextual factors related to financial capability and financial well-being for adults living with acquired brain injury (ABI). DESIGN & METHOD We conducted a qualitative descriptive study using photovoice and included 17 adults who live with ABI in Manitoba, Canada. Over 3-to-5 weeks, participants took photos of their financial capability (i.e. knowledge, skills, and behaviors related to managing finances) or their financial well-being (i.e. subjective and objective financial outcomes). Participants were interviewed about their photos. Five researchers iteratively and thematically analyzed interview transcripts. MAIN OUTCOMES/RESULTS Analysis identified the importance of the economic, social, technology, and physical or sensory context. Subthemes related to: (i) hard times finding financial resources; (ii) processes not making sense; (iii) getting help from the right person; and (iv) invisible disability bias and stigma. CONCLUSIONS There is decreased literature about financial capability or financial well-being after ABI. The results of this study highlight the salience of finance to living with ABI and the importance of the context to addressing financial-related life participation for people living with ABI. Information about contextual factors related to finance can improve rehabilitation assessment and intervention practice as well as emphasize needed accessibility changes to financial environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Engel
- Department of Occupational Therapy, The University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- The Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ibiyemi Arowolo
- The Centre for Advancement of Teaching and Learning, The University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Roheema Ewesesan
- Department of Occupational Therapy, The University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, The University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | | | - Jacquie Ripat
- Department of Occupational Therapy, The University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Carolina Bottari
- École de Réadaptation, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal/Centre de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Réadaptation du Montréal Métropolitain (CRIR), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Anne Hunt
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, The University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Frédérique Poncet
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal/Centre de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Réadaptation du Montréal Métropolitain (CRIR), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre de réadaptation Lethbridge-Layton-Mackay/Lethbridge-Layton-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jane Karpa
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Brandon University, Brandon, MB, Canada
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Blumberg MJ, Petersson AM, Jones PW, Jones AA, Panenka WJ, Leonova O, Vila-Rodriguez F, Lang DJ, Barr AM, MacEwan GW, Buchanan T, Honer WG, Gicas KM. Differential sensitivity of intraindividual variability dispersion and global cognition in the prediction of functional outcomes and mortality in precariously housed and homeless adults. Clin Neuropsychol 2024:1-24. [PMID: 38444068 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2024.2325167] [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: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine cognitive intraindividual variability (IIV) dispersion as a predictor of everyday functioning and mortality in persons who are homeless or precariously housed. METHOD Participants were 407 community-dwelling adults, followed for up to 13 years. Neurocognition was assessed at baseline and IIV dispersion was derived using a battery of standardized tests. Functional outcomes (social, physical) were obtained at baseline and last follow-up. Mortality was confirmed with Coroner's reports and hospital records (N = 103 deaths). Linear regressions were used to predict current social and physical functioning from IIV dispersion. Repeated measures Analysis of Covariance were used to predict long-term change in functioning. Cox regression models examined the relation between IIV dispersion and mortality. Covariates included global cognition (i.e. mean-level performance), age, education, and physical comorbidities. RESULTS Higher IIV dispersion predicted poorer current physical functioning (B = -0.46 p = .010), while higher global cognition predicted better current (B = 0.21, p = .015) and change in social functioning over a period of up to 13 years (F = 4.23, p = .040). Global cognition, but not IIV dispersion, predicted mortality in individuals under 55 years old (HR = 0.50, p = .013). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that indices of neurocognitive functioning (i.e. IIV dispersion and global cognition) may be differentially related to discrete dimensions of functional outcomes in an at-risk population. IIV dispersion may be a complimentary marker of emergent physical health dysfunction in precariously housed adults and may be best used in conjunction with traditional neuropsychological indices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna M Petersson
- Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Paul W Jones
- Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Andrea A Jones
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - William J Panenka
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Olga Leonova
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Donna J Lang
- Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Alasdair M Barr
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - G William MacEwan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Tari Buchanan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - William G Honer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kristina M Gicas
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, Canada
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Pluck G. Executive function and adult homelessness, true impairment or frontal lobology? Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1359027. [PMID: 38322781 PMCID: PMC10844389 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1359027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Homelessness is associated with multiple risk factors for neurocognitive impairment. Past research with people experiencing homelessness has described "frontal lobe" dysfunction including behavioral disorders and executive cognitive impairments. In the current study, 72 adults experiencing homelessness were assessed with a standardized assessment of executive function, and interviewed regarding neurological and psychiatric history. When compared to a control sample of 25 never-homeless participants, and controlling for level of education, there was little evidence for executive dysfunction in the sample of people experiencing homelessness. Levels of substance abuse, past head injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder were notably high. However, there were no statistically significant associations between cognitive task performance and clinical or substance abuse variables. Gambling was surprisingly infrequent, but risk-taking behavior among intravenous drug users was common. Though in neither case was it linked to executive function. Overall, there was little evidence for executive impairment in this sample of people experiencing homelessness. I suggest that past research has often used inappropriate criteria for "normal" performance, particularly comparing people experiencing homelessness to control data of relatively high education level. This has led to elements of "frontal lobology," that is, clinical neuroscience research that tends to overly link non-typical or pathological behavior to frontal lobe impairment. When appropriate comparisons are made, controlling for education level, as in this study, associations between executive function impairments and adult homelessness may be weaker than previously reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham Pluck
- Clinical Cognitive Sciences Laboratory, Faculty of Psychology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Academic Clinical Psychiatry, Division of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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Wang PR, Dore S, Weleff J, Butler RS, Barnett BS. Phencyclidine Positivity on Urine Drug Screening in Patients Treated for Alcohol Withdrawal on a Dual-diagnosis Medically Assisted Withdrawal Unit. J Addict Med 2023; 17:695-701. [PMID: 37934534 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000001217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Little contemporary research has explored phencyclidine (PCP) use in people with alcohol use disorder. Therefore, we sought to determine the prevalence of PCP positivity on urine toxicology screening among patients admitted for alcohol withdrawal, identify correlates of PCP positivity, and investigate PCP positivity's relationship to length of stay (LOS) and risk of facility readmission. METHODS This was a retrospective study of patients admitted to a dual-diagnosis medically assisted withdrawal unit for alcohol withdrawal from 2014 to 2019. Univariate tests and logistic regression were used to investigate potential correlates of PCP positivity on admission toxicology screening (primary outcome). Multivariable linear regression models and survival analyses analyzing LOS and risk of readmission (secondary outcomes) were also developed. RESULTS Ninety of 3731 patients (2.4%) screened positive for PCP. There were significant associations on univariate testing between PCP positivity and age, race, homeless status, and urine toxicology positivity for amphetamines, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, cocaine, tetrahydrocannabinol, and oxycodone. On multivariate logistic regression, only tetrahydrocannabinol, barbiturates, and cocaine positivity were associated with PCP positivity. Multivariate logistic regression and survival analysis found no statistically significant associations between PCP positivity and LOS or risk of readmission. CONCLUSIONS This study provides rare analysis of contemporary data on PCP use among patients undergoing medically assisted alcohol withdrawal. Phencyclidine positivity was uncommon, but use appears considerably higher among this patient population than the general population. There was no significant association between PCP positivity and LOS or readmission risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip R Wang
- From the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH (PRW, SD, BSB); Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Center for Behavioral Health, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH (JW, BSB); and Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH (RSB)
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Marshall CA, Cooke A, Gewurtz R, Barbic S, Roy L, Lysaght R, Kirsh B. Competencies for occupational therapy practice in homelessness: A Delphi study. Scand J Occup Ther 2023; 30:924-938. [PMID: 34784259 DOI: 10.1080/11038128.2021.2002404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Homelessness is growing internationally, and resources to guide occupational therapy practice in this area are needed. OBJECTIVES To identify competencies needed for occupational therapists to support individuals during and following homelessness. MATERIAL AND METHODS We conducted a three-round Delphi study with occupational therapy practitioners and researchers with expertise in homelessness. RESULTS Of 35 potential participants, n = 16 participated in Round I, n = 20 participated in Round II, and n = 18 participated in Round III. Participants included occupational therapists and researchers in Canada, United States, Brazil, UK, Ireland and New Zealand. Consensus was achieved on a total of 93 competencies in 10 categories after 15 were eliminated in Rounds II and III. The categories with the greatest number of competencies included occupational knowledge (n = 18), followed by psychosocial competencies (n = 16). CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE This study represents the first to identify the competencies needed for occupational therapists working in the area of homelessness. Practitioners and educators are encouraged to view the identified competencies as a guide for the professional development of occupational therapists in this context. Stakeholders consulted for this study were able to communicate in English and situated in middle to high-income countries. As such, the competencies identified in this study only apply to these sociocultural contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie Anne Marshall
- Occupational Therapy, Director, Social Justice in Mental Health Research Lab, Faculty of Health Sciences, Elborn College, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Abrial Cooke
- Social Justice in Mental Health Research Lab, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, Elborn College, London, Canada
| | - Rebecca Gewurtz
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Skye Barbic
- Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Laurence Roy
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Rosemary Lysaght
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Bonnie Kirsh
- Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Maye JE, Van Patten R, Lykins HC, Vella L, Mahmood Z, Clark JMR, Twamley EW. Memory, fluid reasoning, and functional capacity in adults experiencing homelessness. Clin Neuropsychol 2023; 37:1441-1454. [PMID: 36154911 PMCID: PMC10039959 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2022.2125906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE In individuals experiencing homelessness, determinants of functional capacity (i.e. the ability to perform activities of daily living) are poorly understood. Identifying potentially modifiable correlates of functional capacity, such as cognitive abilities, may inform treatment targets to address independence and housing stability. This study aimed to identify the strongest neuropsychological predictors of variance in functional performance in 100 adults living in a homeless shelter. METHODS Participants completed a brief cognitive screening test, from which four composite scores were derived, as well as tests of processing speed, fluid reasoning, premorbid intellectual function, and performance-based functional capacity. We conducted a hierarchical linear regression to predict variance in functional capacity. RESULTS Beyond the impact of education and premorbid intellectual function, better memory and fluid reasoning predicted better functional performance. CONCLUSIONS Although our cross-sectional design does not permit causal inference, it is possible that interventions targeting memory and fluid reasoning may improve functional ability in individuals experiencing homelessness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline E. Maye
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego
| | - Ryan Van Patten
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University
- VA Providence Healthcare System
| | | | - Lea Vella
- University of California San Francisco Health, Department of Quality and Patient Safety
| | - Zanjbeel Mahmood
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System
- SDSU/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology
| | - Jillian M. R. Clark
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Mental Health Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System
| | - Elizabeth W. Twamley
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego
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12
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Rapaport P, Kidd G, Jeraldo RE, Mason A, Knapp M, Manthorpe J, Shulman C, Livingston G. A qualitative exploration of older people's lived experiences of homelessness and memory problems - stakeholder perspectives. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:556. [PMID: 37700235 PMCID: PMC10498566 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04250-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The numbers of older people experiencing both homelessness and memory problems are growing, yet their complex health, housing and care needs remain undelineated and unmet. There is a critical gap in understanding what can improve the care, support and experiences of this group. In this qualitative study we explore how stakeholders understand memory problems among older people in the context of homelessness and consider what they judge gets in the way of achieving positive outcomes. METHOD We conducted reflexive thematic analysis of qualitative interviews (n = 49) using a semi-structured topic guide, with 17 older people (aged ≥ 50 years) experiencing memory problems and homelessness, 15 hostel staff and managers, and 17 health, housing and social care practitioners. We recruited participants from six homelessness hostels, one specialist care home and National Health and Local Authority Services in England. RESULTS We identified four overarching themes. The population is not taken seriously; multiple causes are hard to disentangle; risk of exploitation and vulnerability; and (dis)connection and social isolation. The transience and lack of stability associated with homelessness intensified the disorienting nature of memory and cognitive impairment, and those providing direct and indirect support required flexibility and persistence, with staff moving beyond traditional roles to advocate, provide care and safeguard individuals. Memory problems were perceived by frontline staff and older people to be overlooked, misinterpreted, and misattributed as being caused by alcohol use, resulting in pervasive barriers to achieving positive and desired outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Efforts to meet the needs of older people living with memory problems and experiencing homelessness and future interventions must reflect the complexity of their lives, often in the context of long-term alcohol use and current service provision and we make suggestions as to what could be done to improve the situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penny Rapaport
- UCL Department of Mental Health of Older People, Division of Psychiatry, Wing B, Floor 6 Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Rd, London, W1T 7NF, UK.
| | - Garrett Kidd
- UCL Department of Mental Health of Older People, Division of Psychiatry, Wing B, Floor 6 Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Rd, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | - Rosario Espinoza Jeraldo
- UCL Department of Mental Health of Older People, Division of Psychiatry, Wing B, Floor 6 Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Rd, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | - Ava Mason
- UCL Department of Mental Health of Older People, Division of Psychiatry, Wing B, Floor 6 Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Rd, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | - Martin Knapp
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Jill Manthorpe
- NIHR Policy Research Unit in Health and Social Care Workforce, King's College London, London, UK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) South London, London, UK
| | - Caroline Shulman
- Pathway, London, UK
- Healthy London Partnership, London, UK
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, UCL, London, UK
| | - Gill Livingston
- UCL Department of Mental Health of Older People, Division of Psychiatry, Wing B, Floor 6 Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Rd, London, W1T 7NF, UK
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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13
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Taylor SN, Munson D. Health Care of People Experiencing Homelessness: Part I. NEJM EVIDENCE 2023; 2:EVIDra2300123. [PMID: 38320148 DOI: 10.1056/evidra2300123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Homelessness and Health CarePeople who experience homelessness have high rates of medical illness. They struggle with conditions associated with living in crowded shelters, trauma, and exposure to extreme weather. Here, Taylor and Munson review the care of this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Munson
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston
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14
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Barboza-Salerno GE, Kosloski A, Weir H, Thompson D, Bukreyev A. A Network Analysis of the Relationship Between Mental and Physical Health in Unsheltered Homeless Persons in Los Angeles County. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:5902-5936. [PMID: 36300615 DOI: 10.1177/08862605221127222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Homelessness is a public health crisis both nationally, in the United States, and internationally. Nevertheless, due to the hidden vulnerabilities of persons who are without shelter, little is known about their experiences during periods of homelessness. The present research adopts a network approach that conceptualizes how the major risk factors of homelessness interact, namely substance abuse problems, poor mental health, disability, and exposure to physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner. Our analysis draws on a large demographic survey of over 5,000 unsheltered homeless persons conducted in 2017 by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. We estimated a network structure for 12 survey items tapping individual risk using the graphical least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm. We then examined network centrality metrics and implemented a community detection algorithm to detect communities in the network. Our results indicated that mental illness and intimate partner violence (IPV) are central measures that connect all other mental and physical health variables together and that post-traumatic stress disorder and IPV are both highly affected by changes in any part of the network and, in turn, affect changes in other parts of the network. A community detection analysis derived four communities characterized by disability, sexual victimization and health, substance use, and mental health issues. Finally, a directed acyclic graph revealed that drug abuse and physical disability were key drivers of the overall system. We conclude with a discussion of the major implications of our findings and suggest how our results might inform programs aimed at homelessness prevention and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Kosloski
- School of Public Affairs, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
| | - Henriikka Weir
- School of Public Affairs, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
| | | | - Alexey Bukreyev
- College of Arts, Letters and Sciences, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
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15
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Fearn-Smith EM, Scanlan JN, Hancock N. Exploring and Mapping Screening Tools for Cognitive Impairment and Traumatic Brain Injury in the Homelessness Context: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3440. [PMID: 36834133 PMCID: PMC9966671 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive impairment is common amongst people experiencing homelessness, yet cognitive screening and the collection of history of brain injury rarely features in homelessness service delivery practice. The purpose of this research was to scope and map strategies for screening for the potential presence of cognitive impairment or brain injury amongst people experiencing homelessness and identify instruments that could be administered by homelessness service staff to facilitate referral for formal diagnosis and appropriate support. A search was conducted across five databases, followed by a hand search from relevant systematic reviews. A total of 108 publications were included for analysis. Described in the literature were 151 instruments for measuring cognitive function and 8 instruments screening for history of brain injury. Tools that were described in more than two publications, screening for the potential presence of cognitive impairment or history of brain injury, were included for analysis. Of those regularly described, only three instruments measuring cognitive function and three measuring history of brain injury (all of which focused on traumatic brain injury (TBI)) may be administered by non-specialist assessors. The Trail Making Test (TMT) and the Ohio State University Traumatic Brain Injury Identification Method (OSU TBI-ID) are both potentially viable tools for supporting the identification of a likely cognitive impairment or TBI history in the homelessness service context. Further population-specific research and implementation science research is required to maximise the potential for practice application success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M. Fearn-Smith
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Centre for Disability Research and Policy, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
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16
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Chan V, Estrella MJ, Baddeliyanage R, Shah R, Babineau J, Colantonio A. Rehabilitation among individuals experiencing homelessness and traumatic brain injury: A scoping review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:916602. [PMID: 36438043 PMCID: PMC9692012 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.916602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is disproportionately prevalent among individuals experiencing homelessness. While rehabilitation is critical to facilitating recovery after TBI, there is currently limited information on the extent to which rehabilitation is provided to individuals experiencing homelessness and TBI. If unaddressed, this knowledge gap can perpetuate TBI-related challenges and contribute to a repetitive cycle of TBI and homelessness. This scoping review explored the extent to which rehabilitation, including the types of rehabilitation interventions, are available to, or used by, individuals experiencing homelessness and TBI. A systematic search of electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL Register of Clinical Trials, CINAHL, APA PsycINFO, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts, and Proquest Nursing and Allied Health) was conducted to identify peer-reviewed articles that met predetermined eligibility criteria. Gray literature and reference lists of eligible articles were also searched for relevant content. A descriptive numerical summary of extracted data was conducted, and qualitative analytic techniques were applied to analyze the data. Fifteen peer-reviewed articles and three gray literature reports were included, describing interventions for individuals experiencing homelessness and TBI (N = 4), rehabilitation for individuals experiencing homelessness without specific inclusion criteria for TBI (N = 11), and rehabilitation interventions that included individuals experiencing homelessness and TBI, without specific inclusion criteria for experiences of homelessness or TBI (N = 3). This review demonstrates that rehabilitation programs or interventions for this population already exist, and those that are focused on individuals experiencing homelessness are already serving individuals with TBI. Findings highlight opportunities to adapt existing rehabilitation for individuals who experience homelessness and TBI through screening for TBI, conducting cognitive and functional assessments, and tailoring interventions with multidisciplinary teams. Education and training for healthcare professionals working with individuals experiencing homelessness and TBI should be explored, including structured education and training, collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, and co-development of educational materials with service users. Research that considers the rehabilitation needs of diverse individuals experiencing homelessness and TBI is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincy Chan
- KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Maria Jennifer Estrella
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Riya Shah
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jessica Babineau
- Library and Information Services, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Institute for Education Research, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Angela Colantonio
- KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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17
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Babulal GM, Rani R, Adkins-Jackson P, Pearson AC, Williams MM. Associations between Homelessness and Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia: A Systematic Review. J Appl Gerontol 2022; 41:2404-2413. [PMID: 35750476 PMCID: PMC10018777 DOI: 10.1177/07334648221109747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The homeless population in the United States is rapidly aging, with a parallel increase in Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD). During an evolving pandemic that jeopardizes employment and housing, assessing the relationship between ADRD and homelessness is critical since the latter is potentially intervenable. The objective of this study is to review the literature and determine whether there is an association between homelessness and dementia risk. A systematic review of existing studies was conducted through PubMED, SCOPUS, and EMBASE among others. Of the 228 results found, nine met inclusion criteria. Homeless studies mainly centered on veteran populations (n = 6/9). There is a complex relationship suggesting homelessness as a risk for and consequence of ADRD but also co-occurrence with psychiatric disorders, substance abuse, and traumatic injuries. Future studies should employ enumeration surveys with modular longitudinal tracking and measure social determinants of health, discrimination, chronic stress, and mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganesh M. Babulal
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Institute of Public Health, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Clinical Research and Leadership, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rohan Rani
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | | | - Adam C. Pearson
- Peter & Paul Community Services, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Program in Occupational Therapy, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Monique M. Williams
- Program in Occupational Therapy, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- New Horizons PACE, St. Louis, MO, USA
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18
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Lio G, Ghazzai M, Haesebaert F, Dubreucq J, Verdoux H, Quiles C, Jaafari N, Chéreau-Boudet I, Legros-Lafarge E, Guillard-Bouhet N, Massoubre C, Gouache B, Plasse J, Barbalat G, Franck N, Demily C. Actionable Predictive Factors of Homelessness in a Psychiatric Population: Results from the REHABase Cohort Using a Machine Learning Approach. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12268. [PMID: 36231571 PMCID: PMC9565981 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a lack of knowledge regarding the actionable key predictive factors of homelessness in psychiatric populations. Therefore, we used a machine learning model to explore the REHABase database (for rehabilitation database-n = 3416), which is a cohort of users referred to French psychosocial rehabilitation centers in France. METHODS First, we analyzed whether the different risk factors previously associated with homelessness in mental health were also significant risk factors in the REHABase. In the second step, we used unbiased classification and regression trees to determine the key predictors of homelessness. Post hoc analyses were performed to examine the importance of the predictors and to explore the impact of cognitive factors among the participants. RESULTS First, risk factors that were previously found to be associated with homelessness were also significant risk factors in the REHABase. Among all the variables studied with a machine learning approach, the most robust variable in terms of predictive value was the nature of the psychotropic medication (sex/sex relative mean predictor importance: 22.8, σ = 3.4). Post hoc analyses revealed that first-generation antipsychotics (15.61%; p < 0.05 FDR corrected), loxapine (16.57%; p < 0.05 FWER corrected) and hypnotics (17.56%; p < 0.05 FWER corrected) were significantly associated with homelessness. Antidepressant medication was associated with a protective effect against housing deprivation (9.21%; p < 0.05 FWER corrected). CONCLUSIONS Psychotropic medication was found to be an important predictor of homelessness in our REHABase cohort, particularly loxapine and hypnotics. On the other hand, the putative protective effect of antidepressants confirms the need for systematic screening of depression and anxiety in the homeless population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Lio
- Centre d’Excellence Autisme iMIND, pôle HU-ADIS, Hôpital le Vinatier, 69678 Bron, France
- Equipe «Disorders of the Brain», Institut Marc Jeannerod, UMR 5229, CNRS & Université Lyon 1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Malek Ghazzai
- Centre d’Excellence Autisme iMIND, pôle HU-ADIS, Hôpital le Vinatier, 69678 Bron, France
| | | | - Julien Dubreucq
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint-Etienne, 42270 Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
| | - Hélène Verdoux
- Hôpital Charles Perrens, Université de Bordeaux, 33405 Talence, France
| | - Clélia Quiles
- Hôpital Charles Perrens, Université de Bordeaux, 33405 Talence, France
| | - Nemat Jaafari
- CREATIV & URC Pierre Deniker, Centre Hospitalier Laborit, Université de Poitiers, 86000 Poitiers, France
| | - Isabelle Chéreau-Boudet
- Centre Référent Conjoint de Réhabilitation (CRCR), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Clermont-Ferrand, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Emilie Legros-Lafarge
- Centre Référent de Réhabilitation Psychosociale de Limoges (C2RL), 87000 Limoges, France
| | | | - Catherine Massoubre
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint-Etienne, 42270 Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Saint-Etienne, 42023 Saint-Etienne, France
| | | | - Julien Plasse
- Pôle Centre Rive Gauche, Hôpital Le Vinatier, 69678 Bron, France
- Centre Ressource de Réhabilitation Psychosociale et de Remédiation Cognitive (CRR), CH le Vinatier et Institut Marc Jeannerod, UMR 5229 & Université Lyon 1, 69100 Bron, France
| | - Guillaume Barbalat
- Pôle Centre Rive Gauche, Hôpital Le Vinatier, 69678 Bron, France
- Centre Ressource de Réhabilitation Psychosociale et de Remédiation Cognitive (CRR), CH le Vinatier et Institut Marc Jeannerod, UMR 5229 & Université Lyon 1, 69100 Bron, France
| | - Nicolas Franck
- Pôle Centre Rive Gauche, Hôpital Le Vinatier, 69678 Bron, France
- Centre Ressource de Réhabilitation Psychosociale et de Remédiation Cognitive (CRR), CH le Vinatier et Institut Marc Jeannerod, UMR 5229 & Université Lyon 1, 69100 Bron, France
| | - Caroline Demily
- Centre d’Excellence Autisme iMIND, pôle HU-ADIS, Hôpital le Vinatier, 69678 Bron, France
- Equipe «Disorders of the Brain», Institut Marc Jeannerod, UMR 5229, CNRS & Université Lyon 1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
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19
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Rangu N, Frank-Pearce SG, Alexander AC, Hébert ET, Ra C, Kendzor DE, Businelle MS. Non-adherence to psychiatric medication in adults experiencing homelessness is associated with incurred concussions. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:958169. [PMID: 35966999 PMCID: PMC9366846 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.958169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between concussions and medication adherence among 247 adults experiencing homelessness in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, who were prescribed medication for a psychiatric disorder. Participants were asked whether they had “ever experienced a blow to the head that caused a concussion,” and medication adherence was measured by asking participants whether they had taken their psychiatric medication yesterday. The data were analyzed using univariate and multivariable logistic regressions. Results showed that more than half of the sample had a concussion history (61.9%), and homeless adults with a concussion history had higher odds of non-adherence to psychiatric medications compared with those who reported no concussion history [OR = 2.13 (95% CI = 1.08, 4.18)]. Findings suggest that medication non-adherence is associated with incurred concussions. Raising awareness among service providers of the relationship between traumatic brain injury and medication adherence may increase efforts to improve adherence in this underserved population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal Rangu
- TSET Health Promotion Research Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Sumer G. Frank-Pearce
- TSET Health Promotion Research Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Hudson College of Public Health, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Adam C. Alexander
- TSET Health Promotion Research Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- *Correspondence: Adam C. Alexander
| | - Emily T. Hébert
- TSET Health Promotion Research Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Chaelin Ra
- TSET Health Promotion Research Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Darla E. Kendzor
- TSET Health Promotion Research Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Michael S. Businelle
- TSET Health Promotion Research Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
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20
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Mullady SSS, Castellanos S, Lopez L, Aguirre G, Weeks J, King S, Valle K, Goode C, Tsoy E, Possin K, Miller B, Kushel M, Lanata S. Neurocognitive health of older adults experiencing homelessness in Oakland, California. Front Neurol 2022; 13:905779. [PMID: 35937073 PMCID: PMC9353024 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.905779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives The homeless population in the US is aging. Cognitive impairment is prevalent in this population, yet little is known about the neurologic etiologies of such impairment. Addressing this gap in knowledge is important because homeless older adults with cognitive impairment due to neurodegenerative disease may need lifelong tailored support to obtain and maintain housing. In this study, we characterized the neurocognitive health of a sample of adults who experienced homelessness for the first time after age 50 using gold standard behavioral neurology examination practices. Methods We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study of older adults who first experienced homelessness after age 50. We recruited our sample purposively from an ongoing longitudinal cohort study of adults who were aged 50 and over and homeless when they entered the cohort. For this sub study, we enrolled a convenience sample from those who reported their first episode of homelessness after age 50. We did not exclude individuals based on history of substance use. Neurologists conducted a structured neurocognitive history intake, neurological examination, neuropsychological evaluation, and functional assessment between November 2020 and February 2021. We screened all participants for neurocognitive disorders using gold standard clinical research diagnostic criteria. Results We evaluated 25 participants, most were men (76%) and Black (84%), with a median age of 61 years. The most common neurocognitive complaints included deficits in recent episodic memory (n = 15, 60%), executive functions (n = 13, 52%), and behavior/mood, with apathy being the most common complaint (n = 20, 80%). Neuropsychological testing revealed a high prevalence of socioemotional deficits (n = 20, 80%). Common neurological examination deficits included difficulties with coordination, such as impaired Luria task (n = 16, 64%), signs of distal peripheral neuropathy (n = 8, 32%), anosmia/hyposmia (n = 4, 21%), and signs of mild Parkinsonism (n = 5, 20%). The most common diagnoses were MCI (n = 7, 28%), bvFTD (n = 4, 16%), AD (n = 4, 16%), and DLB (n = 2, 8%). Discussion Our findings suggest that neurocognitive concerns and examination deficits are common among older homeless adults. Specific neurocognitive disorders may be overrepresented in this population, particularly frontotemporal disorders. Longitudinal studies involving brain biomarkers are needed to characterize the neurocognitive health of this vulnerable population more precisely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeepa Satya-Sriram Mullady
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Sandeepa Satya-Sriram Mullady
| | - Stacy Castellanos
- Department of Internal Medicine, UCSF Center for Vulnerable Populations, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Lucia Lopez
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Gloria Aguirre
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - John Weeks
- Department of Internal Medicine, UCSF Center for Vulnerable Populations, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Stephen King
- Department of Internal Medicine, UCSF Center for Vulnerable Populations, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Karen Valle
- Department of Internal Medicine, UCSF Center for Vulnerable Populations, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Collette Goode
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Elena Tsoy
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Katherine Possin
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Bruce Miller
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Margot Kushel
- Department of Internal Medicine, UCSF Center for Vulnerable Populations, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Serggio Lanata
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States,Serggio Lanata
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21
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Philippe TJ, Sikder N, Jackson A, Koblanski ME, Liow E, Pilarinos A, Vasarhelyi K. Digital Health Interventions for Delivery of Mental Health Care: Systematic and Comprehensive Meta-Review. JMIR Ment Health 2022; 9:e35159. [PMID: 35551058 PMCID: PMC9109782 DOI: 10.2196/35159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted mental health care delivery to digital platforms, videoconferencing, and other mobile communications. However, existing reviews of digital health interventions are narrow in scope and focus on a limited number of mental health conditions. OBJECTIVE To address this gap, we conducted a comprehensive systematic meta-review of the literature to assess the state of digital health interventions for the treatment of mental health conditions. METHODS We searched MEDLINE for secondary literature published between 2010 and 2021 on the use, efficacy, and appropriateness of digital health interventions for the delivery of mental health care. RESULTS Of the 3022 records identified, 466 proceeded to full-text review and 304 met the criteria for inclusion in this study. A majority (52%) of research involved the treatment of substance use disorders, 29% focused on mood, anxiety, and traumatic stress disorders, and >5% for each remaining mental health conditions. Synchronous and asynchronous communication, computerized therapy, and cognitive training appear to be effective but require further examination in understudied mental health conditions. Similarly, virtual reality, mobile apps, social media platforms, and web-based forums are novel technologies that have the potential to improve mental health but require higher quality evidence. CONCLUSIONS Digital health interventions offer promise in the treatment of mental health conditions. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, digital health interventions provide a safer alternative to face-to-face treatment. However, further research on the applications of digital interventions in understudied mental health conditions is needed. Additionally, evidence is needed on the effectiveness and appropriateness of digital health tools for patients who are marginalized and may lack access to digital health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan J Philippe
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Anna Jackson
- School of Social Work, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Maya E Koblanski
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Psychology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Eric Liow
- Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Andreas Pilarinos
- Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Krisztina Vasarhelyi
- Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
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22
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Kerman N, Ecker J, Tiderington E, Gaetz S, Kidd SA. Workplace trauma and chronic stressor exposure among direct service providers working with people experiencing homelessness. J Ment Health 2022; 32:424-433. [PMID: 34983295 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2021.2022629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Service providers working with people experiencing homelessness can be directly and indirectly exposed to trauma and other chronic stressors in their work. The types of individuals that are most at-risk of problematic outcomes from traumatic event exposure are unknown. AIM This study examined exposure to and effects of workplace traumas and stressors among service providers working with people experiencing homelessness in Canada. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was completed by 701 direct service providers working in the homeless service, supportive housing, and harm reduction sectors. Descriptive statistics, hierarchical multiple regression, and double moderation models were used in the analysis. RESULTS Employment in homeless service settings, service provision to single adults, and more time in direct contact with service users were each positively associated with the frequency of exposure to critical events and chronic stressors. Younger age, lived experience of behavioural health problems, more frequent exposure to chronic stressors, and less social support from coworkers were significantly correlated with post-traumatic stress and general psychological distress. Emotional support from supervision moderated the relationship between direct exposure to workplace critical events and post-traumatic stress. CONCLUSIONS More trauma-informed psychosocial supports tailored to the needs of direct service providers working with people experiencing homelessness are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Kerman
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - John Ecker
- Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Emmy Tiderington
- School of Social Work, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Stephen Gaetz
- Faculty of Education, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sean A Kidd
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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23
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Kerman N, Polillo A, Bardwell G, Gran-Ruaz S, Savage C, Felteau C, Tsemberis S. Harm reduction outcomes and practices in Housing First: A mixed-methods systematic review. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 228:109052. [PMID: 34601279 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.109052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Harm reduction is a central tenet of Housing First. As the intervention has been shown to stably house people experiencing chronic homelessness across the lifespan with complex behavioural health needs, it is critical to understand the harm reduction outcomes and practices in Housing First. METHODS A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted of five databases: PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. Harm reduction outcomes and practices in Housing First were examined in four domains: substance-related harms, viral health, sexual health, and harm reduction service use. RESULTS A total of 35 articles were included in the review, 23 of which examined harm reduction outcomes and 12 of which investigated harm reduction practices in Housing First. Harm reduction outcome studies focused mostly on nonspecific substance use problems, with Housing First being found to have minimal effects in this domain. More severe harms, such as delirium tremens and substance use-related deaths, have been minimally explored, though preliminary evidence is promising. Viral health, sexual health, and harm reduction service use outcomes were the focus of few studies. Research on harm reduction practices highlighted that Housing First providers experience both flexibility and ambiguity in their work using a harm reduction approach, and the importance of empathetic working relationships for engagement in harm reduction work. CONCLUSIONS Harm reduction outcomes in Housing First remain underexamined and any conclusions of the intervention's impacts in this domain would be premature. Effective harm reduction practices in Housing First require strong working relationships between staff and tenants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Kerman
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 1051 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M6J 1H4, Canada.
| | - Alexia Polillo
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 1051 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M6J 1H4, Canada; University of Toronto, Department of Psychiatry, 250 College Street, 8th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Geoff Bardwell
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6Z 2A9, Canada; University of British Columbia, Department of Medicine, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Sophia Gran-Ruaz
- University of Ottawa, School of Psychology, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Vanier Hall, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Cathi Savage
- Sandy Hill Community Health Centre, 221 Nelson Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 1C7, Canada
| | - Charlie Felteau
- Sandy Hill Community Health Centre, 221 Nelson Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 1C7, Canada
| | - Sam Tsemberis
- Pathways Housing First Institute, 1328 2nd Street, Santa Monica, CA, 90403, United States
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24
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Pidgeon H, McKinney D, Tan-Creevy J, Shah M, Ansari S, Gottlieb M. Thinking Beyond the Emergency Department: Addressing Homelessness in Residency Education. Ann Emerg Med 2021; 79:397-403. [PMID: 34607743 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2021.07.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Harrison Pidgeon
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL.
| | - Dennis McKinney
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Jeny Tan-Creevy
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Meeta Shah
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Sobia Ansari
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Michael Gottlieb
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
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25
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The Unmet Rehabilitation Needs in an Inclusion Health Integrated Care Programme for Homeless Adults in Dublin, Ireland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18157917. [PMID: 34360210 PMCID: PMC8345505 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18157917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: People who become homeless have higher morbidity and mortality, use a disproportionate amount of healthcare resources, and generate a large volume of potentially preventable healthcare and other costs compared to more privileged individuals. Although access to rehabilitation is a human right under article 26 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the rehabilitation needs of individuals with homelessness have not been explored, and this project’s purpose was to establish a baseline of need for this cohort. Methods: A prospective audit of case discussions at an inclusion health service over a 2-month period in 2018. Results: Four multidisciplinary inclusion health clinics were observed with over 20 cases discussed in each and data were extracted using a bespoke audit data extraction tool. The inclusion health needs were diverse and complex with many unmet rehabilitation needs. Physical and cognitive rehabilitation needs were identified in over 50% of cases discussed. Musculoskeletal problems and acquired brain injuries were the most common cause of activity limitation. Most had concurrent medical conditions and addiction and/or mental health needs. None had access to rehabilitation services. Conclusion: The results of this study show that the rehabilitative needs of this cohort are significant and are not being met through traditional models of care. We are currently exploring innovative ways to provide appropriate services to these individuals.
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26
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Homelessness and Research: Methodological Obstacles and Lessons Learned from a Psychological Study in Parisian Homeless Services. PSYCH 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/psych3020016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Homelessness, defined as a lack of appropriate, stable, and permanent housing, is a common issue in many societies and is linked to both structural and individual factors. These factors include psychological mechanisms and disorders which can trigger or worsen already precarious situations. In order for these factors to be taken into account in social rehabilitation programs, they need to be precisely described. However, at present, studies in this field are lacking in France. Despite homelessness being an issue across the country, few studies have evaluated the underlying psychological or neuropsychological mechanisms. More data are needed, not only to provide an accurate description of the situation in France, but also to ensure that foreign observations and interventions are relevant for application to the homeless population. In order to achieve this, more quantitative and qualitative data and investigative methodologies and studies are needed. Sharing experience and methods within the scientific community is one way to support further research, particularly in complex domains such as homelessness. At the moment, only a few such papers have been published. In this paper, we share our experiences from a research project that started in 2020 (currently unpublished) on the prevalence of cognitive disorders among homeless service users in Paris. We describe the exploratory phase of our project, obstacles encountered during the implementation of the study, including how we dealt with ethical issues, and data collection. We end the paper with recommendations for future psychological studies on homelessness.
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27
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Mun EY, Li X, Businelle MS, Hébert ET, Tan Z, Barnett NP, Walters ST. Ecological Momentary Assessment of Alcohol Consumption and Its Concordance with Transdermal Alcohol Detection and Timeline Follow-Back Self-report Among Adults Experiencing Homelessness. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2021; 45:864-876. [PMID: 33583057 PMCID: PMC8252787 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Studies of alcohol use presume valid assessment measures. To evaluate this presumption, we examined the concordance of alcohol use as measured by ecological momentary assessment (EMA) self‐reports, transdermal alcohol concentration readings via the Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor (SCRAM), and retrospective self‐reports via the Timeline Follow‐Back (TLFB) among adults experiencing homelessness. Methods Forty‐nine adults who reported alcohol misuse (mean age = 47, SD = 9; 57% Black; 82% men) were recruited from a homeless shelter. For 4 weeks, alcohol use was assessed: (i) 5 times or more per day by EMA, (ii) every 30 minutes by a SCRAM device worn on the ankle, and (iii) by TLFB for the past month at the end of the study period. There were 1,389 days of observations of alcohol use and alcohol use intensity for 49 participants. Results EMA and SCRAM alcohol use data agreed on 73% of days, with an interrater agreement Kappa = 0.46. A multilevel analysis of concordance of 3 measures for alcohol use yielded statistically significant correlations of 0.40 (day level) and 0.63 (person level) between EMA and SCRAM. Alcohol use was detected on 49, 38, and 33% of days by EMA, SCRAM, and TLFB, respectively. For alcohol use intensity, EMA and SCRAM resulted in statistically significant correlations of 0.46 (day level) and 0.78 (person level). The concordance of TLFB with either EMA or SCRAM was weak, especially at the day level. Conclusions This is the first study to examine concordance of alcohol use estimates using EMA, SCRAM, and TLFB methods in adults experiencing homelessness. EMA is a valid approach to quantifying alcohol use, especially given its relatively low cost, low participant burden, and ease of use. Furthermore, any stigma associated with wearing the SCRAM or reporting alcohol use in person may be attenuated by using EMA, which may be appealing for use in studies of stigmatized and underserved populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Young Mun
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Systems, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Xiaoyin Li
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Systems, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Michael S Businelle
- Health Promotion Research Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.,Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Emily T Hébert
- UTHealth School of Public Health in Austin, Austin, OK, USA
| | - Zhengqi Tan
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Nancy P Barnett
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, School of Public Health, Brown University, RI, USA
| | - Scott T Walters
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Systems, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
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28
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Mahmood Z, Vella L, Maye JE, Keller AV, Van Patten R, Clark JMR, Twamley EW. Rates of Cognitive and Functional Impairments Among Sheltered Adults Experiencing Homelessness. Psychiatr Serv 2021; 72:333-337. [PMID: 33397143 PMCID: PMC7952028 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.202000065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined rates of objective cognitive and functional impairments and associations between cognitive performance and performance-based functional capacity in a well-characterized sample of adults experiencing homelessness. METHODS One hundred participants completed a brief neuropsychological and functional capacity assessment and self-report questionnaires. Cognitive impairment rates were determined by comparing mean scores with published normative data, as well as by examining frequency of scores >1 SD below the mean. Pearson correlations were used to examine associations between cognitive and functional capacities. RESULTS Overall, 65% of the study participants had scores in the cognitively impaired range on a brief cognitive screening test, 30% had impaired processing speed, and 11% met cognitive criteria for intellectual disability. Furthermore, 48% of the sample met functional impairment criteria, and poorer cognitive performance was strongly associated with poorer performance-based functional capacity (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Cognitive and functional impairments are common among sheltered adults experiencing homelessness, underscoring the need for routine objective cognitive screening and rehabilitation services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zanjbeel Mahmood
- SDSU/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System
| | - Lea Vella
- SDSU/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology
| | - Jaqueline E. Maye
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System
| | | | - Ryan Van Patten
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego
| | - Jillian M. R. Clark
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System
| | - Elizabeth W. Twamley
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego
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29
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McKenzie K, Murray A, Murray G, Martin R. The use of an impact framework to evaluate the impact of research on policy and practice: Screening questionnaires for intellectual disability. RESEARCH EVALUATION 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/reseval/rvaa019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
There is an increasing emphasis on the importance of research having an impact on policy and practice. This can be more difficult to evidence in intellectual disability services because of the wide range of stakeholders involved. We evaluated whether an impact questionnaire covering: knowledge production, capacity building, informing policy and practice, social and economic benefits could successfully be used to evaluate the impact of research into and use of two screening questionnaires: the Learning Disability Screening Questionnaire (LDSQ) and Child and Adolescent Intellectual Disability Screening Questionnaire (CAIDS-Q). We conducted an online search for published peer reviewed and grey literature, and Internet resources that referenced LDSQ and/or CAIDS-Q. The resultant literature and resources were assessed for relevance and organized according to the categories outlined in the impact questionnaire. Evidence was found for all the areas of impact, with the largest body of evidence being in relation to informing policy and practice and social benefits and the least for economic benefits. The impact questionnaire provided the basis for a comprehensive and useful evaluative framework to assess impact, although there was some overlap between the different categories. The process of using it highlighted some wider issues to consider when attempting to evaluate impact. The results indicated that the research underpinning the LDSQ and CAIDS-Q had resulted in significant, generally positive, and wide-reaching impact on policy and practice in intellectual disability and other services, resulting in a number of positive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen McKenzie
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Northumberland Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Aja Murray
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh,George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
| | - George Murray
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Northumberland Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
- Department of Paediatrics, NHS Lothian, Morningside, EH105HF, UK
| | - Rachel Martin
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Northumberland Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
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30
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Brown M, McCann E. Homelessness and people with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review of the international research evidence. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2020; 34:390-401. [PMID: 32959955 DOI: 10.1111/jar.12815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with intellectual disabilities can experience homelessness, and some of the reasons differ from the general homeless population. Specific policy and practice responses are required. METHOD A systematic review of studies examining homelessness among people with intellectual disabilities utilizing CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Sociological Abstracts databases from inception to November 2019. RESULTS The search produced 259 papers, and following screening, a total of 13 papers were included in the review. The themes identified were (i) pathways into homelessness, (ii) experiencing homelessness and (iii) routes out of homelessness. CONCLUSIONS People with ID become homeless due to multifactorial issues. The identification of people within homeless services and their care and support concerns remains challenging, impacting upon the provision of assessments, interventions, care and supports. Psychosocial assessments, interventions and supports are necessary to assist people with ID to leave homelessness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Brown
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Edward McCann
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
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31
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Demakakos P, Lewer D, Jackson SE, Hayward AC. Lifetime prevalence of homelessness in housed people aged 55-79 years in England: its childhood correlates and association with mortality over 10 years of follow-up. Public Health 2020; 182:131-138. [PMID: 32298843 PMCID: PMC7294219 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2019.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Since 2010, the number of homeless people in the UK has increased, and homelessness in its different types has become a major public health problem. Housed older people with past experience of homelessness are an understudied population that can provide valuable insight into this problem. For this reason, we examined the lifetime prevalence of homelessness and its associations with childhood adversity and mortality in a national sample of older people. STUDY DESIGN This is a longitudinal cohort study. METHODS We studied 6649 housed individuals aged 55-79 years in 2007 from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). We used logistic regression to model the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACE) and lifetime experience of homelessness (ever been homeless for ≥1 months) and Cox proportional hazards regression to model the prospective association between lifetime experience of homelessness and mortality. RESULTS We identified 107 participants with lifetime experience of homelessness. We found a strong graded association between the number of ACE and lifetime experience of homelessness; participants with two ACE had 5.35 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.17-9.05) times greater odds of having experienced homelessness than those reporting none. Most ACE were individually associated with lifetime homelessness, but fewer remained so in the mutually adjusted model. Participants with lifetime experience of homelessness had 1.55 (95% CI: 1.01-2.37) times greater risk of mortality over a 10-year follow-up and after adjustment for covariates. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to childhood adversity is associated with increased risk of experiencing homelessness. Older housed people with past experience of homelessness are at increased risk of mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Demakakos
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - D Lewer
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK; Collaborative Centre for Inclusion Health, University College London, London, NW1 2DA, UK
| | - S E Jackson
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - A C Hayward
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK; Collaborative Centre for Inclusion Health, University College London, London, NW1 2DA, UK
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32
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Doran KM, Ran Z, Castelblanco D, Shelley D, Padgett DK. "It Wasn't Just One Thing": A Qualitative Study of Newly Homeless Emergency Department Patients. Acad Emerg Med 2019; 26:982-993. [PMID: 31418514 DOI: 10.1111/acem.13677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Emergency departments (EDs) frequently care for patients who are homeless or unstably housed. One promising approach taken by the homeless services system is to provide interventions that attempt to prevent homelessness before it occurs. Experts have suggested that health care settings may be ideal locations to identify and intervene with patients at risk for homelessness, yet little is known even about the basic characteristics of patients who might benefit from such interventions. METHODS We conducted in-depth, one-on-one qualitative interviews with ED patients who had become homeless within the past 6 months. Using a semistructured interview guide, we asked patients about their pathways into homelessness and what might have prevented them from becoming homeless. Interviews were digitally recorded and professionally transcribed. Transcripts were coded line by line by multiple investigators who then met as a group to discuss and refine codes in an iterative fashion. RESULTS Interviews were completed with 31 patients. Mean interview length was 42 minutes. Four main themes emerged: 1) unique stories yet common social and health contributors to homelessness, 2) personal agency versus larger structural forces, 3) limitations in help from family or friends, and 4) homelessness was not expected. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate gaps in current homeless prevention services and can help inform future interventions for unstably housed and homeless ED patients. More immediately, the findings provide rich, unique context to the lives of a vulnerable patient population commonly seen in EDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M. Doran
- Department of Emergency Medicine NYU School of Medicine New York NY
- Department of Population Health NYU School of Medicine New York NY
| | - Ziwei Ran
- NYU Silver School of Social Work New York NY
| | | | - Donna Shelley
- Department of Population Health NYU School of Medicine New York NY
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