Occupational therapy evaluation and intervention in an employment program for homeless youths

Kannenberg, Kathleen; Boyer, Debra

doi:10.1176/ps.48.5.631

Cited by 9 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 8 publications

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“…As in the general population, social supports provide an important buffer against stressful life events [82,83] and lack of supportive social networks or reduced social functioning in this population can adversely affect both physical and mental health outcomes [84-87]. Similarly, teaching life skills is important for independent living and housing retention among homeless individuals [88-90] and life skills training provides an effective intervention for previously homeless individuals [91-94]. …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Housing First: exploring participants’ early support needs

Stergiopoulos

Gozdzik

O’Campo

et al. 2014

BMC Health Serv Res

113

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BackgroundHousing First has become a popular treatment model for homeless adults with mental illness, yet little is known about program participants’ early experiences or trajectories. This study used a mixed methods design to examine participant changes in selected domains 6 months after enrolment in a Canadian field trial of Housing First.MethodsThe study sample included 301 participants receiving the Housing First intervention at the Toronto site of the At Home/Chez Soi project. This study used a pre-post design to compare quantitative 6-month outcome data to baseline values in key domains and multivariate regression to identify baseline demographic, clinical or service use variables associated with observed changes in these domains. In addition, qualitative data exploring participant and service provider perspectives and experiences was collected via stakeholder interviews and focus groups, and analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsThe majority (60 to 72%) of participants followed the expected trajectory of improvement, with the remaining experiencing difficulties in community integration, mental health symptom severity, substance use, community functioning and quality of life 6 months after program enrolment. Diagnosis of psychotic disorder was associated with a reduction in quality of life from baseline to 6-months, while substance use disorders were associated with reduced mental illness symptoms and substance use related problems and an improvement in quality of life. Participants housed in independent housing at 6-months had greater improvements in community integration and quality of life, and greater reduction in mental illness symptoms, compared to those not independently housed. The quality of the working alliance was positively associated with improvements in physical and psychological community integration and quality of life. Qualitative data provided a unique window into the loneliness and isolation experienced by Housing First participants, as well as problems related to substance use and a need for life skills training and support.ConclusionsAdditional strategies can help support Housing First participants in the early stages of program participation and address potential causes of early difficulties, including lack of life skills and social isolation. This study highlights the importance of early and ongoing evaluation, monitoring and program adaptations to address consumer support needs.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials ISRCTN42520374

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Housing First: exploring participants’ early support needs

Stergiopoulos

Gozdzik

O’Campo

et al. 2014

BMC Health Serv Res

113

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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A Bibliometric Analysis of the Occupational Therapy Literature Addressing Interventions for Children and Adolescents with Mental Health Needs

Gutman

Brown

Precin

et al. 2021

Occupational Therapy in Mental Health

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Life Skill Interventions with Homeless Youth, Domestic Violence Victims and Adults with Mental Illness

Helfrich

Aviles

Badiani

et al. 2006

Occupational Therapy In Health Care

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SUMMARY This paper presents three exploratory studies of life skills interventions (employment, money management or food/nutrition) with 73 homeless individuals from four shelters and supportive housing programs located in the urban Midwest for youth, victims of domestic violence and adults with mental illness. The Ansell Casey Life Skills Assessment was administered prior to the eight group and individual sessions. Quizzes and posttests indicated clinical change in all groups, with statistical significance in the domestic violence group. The intervention implementation, challenges encountered, and strategies developed for implementing shelter-based interventions are discussed. Recommendations for successfully providing collaborative university-shelter clinical interventions are provided.

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Occupational therapy evaluation and intervention in an employment program for homeless youths

Cited by 9 publications

References 8 publications

Housing First: exploring participants’ early support needs

Housing First: exploring participants’ early support needs

A Bibliometric Analysis of the Occupational Therapy Literature Addressing Interventions for Children and Adolescents with Mental Health Needs

Life Skill Interventions with Homeless Youth, Domestic Violence Victims and Adults with Mental Illness

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