Patterns of homelessness and housing instability and the relationship with mental health disorders among young people transitioning from out-of-home care: Retrospective cohort study using linked administrative data

Abstract

Objectives The study examined the relationship between mental health, homelessness and housing instability among young people aged 15–18 years old who transitioned from out-of-home in 2013 to 2014 in the state of Victoria, Australia with follow-up to 2018. We determined the various mental health disorders and other predictors that were associated with different levels of homelessness risk, including identifying the impact of dual diagnosis of mental health and substance use disorder on homelessness. Methodology Using retrospective de-identified linked administrative data from various government departments we identified various dimensions of homelessness which were mapped from the European Topology of Homelessness (ETHOS) framework and associated mental health variables which were determined from the WHO ICD-10 codes. We used ordered logistic regression and Poisson regression analysis to estimate the impact of homelessness and housing instability respectively. Results A total homelessness prevalence of 60% was determined in the care-leaving population. After adjustment, high risk of homelessness was associated with dual diagnosis of mental health and substance use disorder, intentional self-harm, anxiety, psychotic disorders, assault and maltreatment, history of involvement with the justice system, substance use prior to leaving care, residential and home-based OHC placement and a history of staying in public housing. Conclusions There is clearly a need for policy makers and service providers to work together to find effective housing pathways and integrated health services for this heterogeneous group of vulnerable young people with complex health and social needs. Future research should determine longitudinally the bidirectional relationship between mental health disorders and homelessness.

Experiences of Independent Living among Female Youths after Leaving Out-of- Home Care in South Korea: A Phenomenological Study

“…Previous studies have reported that some youths lack the funds to cover their basic living expenses [19] and feel constricted and breathless [11,15]. Failure to overcome these challenges increases the likelihood of homelessness, which, in turn, increases their risk of developing mental health problems [23]. Therefore, the highest priority for successful independence is practical support that nds a reliable source of income and improves management skills [15].…”

What Matters and Who Matters to Young People Leaving Care

“…Cunningham andDiversi, 2013;Havlicek et al, 2013;Gypen et al, 2017;Munro, 2019;Courtney, 2022. Biehal andWade, 2008;Mendes et al, 2012;Lee et al, 2016. For instance homelessness and mental health issues: Chikwava et al, 2022;Klodnick and Samuels, 2020. And see , Chapter 4.…”

Alcohol Misuse, Binge Drinking, and their Associations with Psychosocial Factors during COVID-19 among Harlem Residents in New York City

“…The dual impact of alcohol misuse and housing insecurity leads to a significant burden on individuals, with acute, social, and chronic consequences [ 28 ]. Hence, housing instability contributes to worsened mental health and substance use [ 29 ]. Interventions to target this at-risk population should improve accessibility to mental health treatment to those with low-income housing in NYC (e.g., affordable, supportive or congregate housing).…”