The Second National Canadian Homeless Youth Survey: Mental Health and Addiction Findings: La Deuxième Enquête Nationale Auprès des Jeunes Sans Abri : Résultats en Matière De Santé Mentale et de Toxicomanie

Abstract

Objective: Youth experiencing homelessness represent a major social problem in Canada and, as demonstrated in the first national survey of this population conducted in 2015, are experiencing significant mental health challenges. The present study examines the findings of a second national survey completed in 2019. These findings afford the opportunity to examine the reliability of the findings of the first study with another large, representative sample and to attempt to articulate the unique characteristics of youth experiencing the greatest distress among this at-risk population. Methods: This study analyzed the mental-health-related data from the 2019 Without a Home–National Youth Homelessness Survey that was administered through convenience sampling at 98 agencies serving homeless youth in 49 communities across Canada. The survey was cross-sectional and self-administered, assessing a range of demographic information, pre- and post-homelessness variables, and mental health indicators. Multinomial logistic regression and linear regression were implemented to evaluate associations with distress level. Results: Survey data were obtained from 1,375 youth accessing Canadian homeless services in 9 provinces. Thirty-five percent reported at least 1 suicide attempt, and 33.1% reported a drug overdose requiring hospitalization. The findings of this survey replicated most of the key findings from the 2015 survey. The current findings emphasized, for this high-risk population, the heightened adversity faced by young women, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Two-Spirit (LGBTQ2S), and Indigenous subpopulations, as well as the centrality of violence exposure in determining risk and distress. Sexual violence, in particular, emerged as a key factor in the identification of youth experiencing the greatest distress with risk buffered by contact with family. Conclusions: These findings can inform prevention and intervention policies and services and reinforce the importance of attending to violence exposure and trauma as central to the mental health trajectories of youth who have experienced homelessness.

Examining Risk Factors and Protective Resources as Predictors of Recovery Among Youth With Mental Illness and Lived Experience of Homelessness

“…Abramovich, 2012;Choi et al, 2015;Durso & Gates, 2012). LGBTQ2S youth comprise nearly 20% to 40% of the overall youth homelessness population (Durso & Gates, 2012;Kidd et al, 2021). Future research should investigate the link between mental health recovery among youth who self-identify as LGBTQ2S in the context of homelessness.…”

“…High levels of mental illness, problematic substance use, and suicidality are among the most prominent risk factors for youth who are homeless (Cronley & Evans, 2017;Narendorf et al, 2017;Perlman et al, 2014). In a recent pan-Canadian study of 1,363 youth experiencing homelessness, 74% reported experiencing mental health symptoms and high levels of distress (Kidd et al, 2021). Further, approximately one-third had at least one suicide attempt and have been hospitalized for a drug overdose.…”

Where are the links? Using a causal loop diagram to assess interactions in healthcare coordination for youth experiencing homelessness in Toronto, Canada

“…Although YEH suffer from a variety of poor health outcomes, challenges with mental health and addictions are most prevalent [ 5 , 6 ]. According to the most recent national youth homelessness survey (2019; N = 1375), 74% of youth respondents report high levels of distress, 35% report attempting suicide at least once and 33% report a drug overdose requiring hospitalization [ 7 ]. Additionally, YEH often suffer from physical and mental health comorbidities, and require support with health system access, navigation and coordination of health services [ 8 – 10 ].…”

Where’s the Disconnect? Exploring Pathways to Healthcare Coordinated for Youth Experiencing Homelessness in Toronto, Canada, Using Grounded Theory Methodology

“…Poor mental health is often associated with childhood trauma, discrimination, and the experience of homelessness itself (Kidd et al, 2018). Findings from the second and most recent national youth homelessness survey (2019) (N = 1375) indicate that 74% of youth respondents report being highly distressed, 35% report attempting suicide at least once, and 33% report a drug overdose requiring hospitalization (Kidd et al, 2021). Of those youth suffering from mental illness, 60% present with multiple diagnoses (Slesnick & Prestopnik, 2005).…”

“…Several studies indicate a dose-response relationship between exposure to homelessness and mental health decline (Hadland et al, 2011;Kidd et al, 2017). Findings from the 2015 and 2019 national surveys also indicate that about 25-30% of youth seeking shelter reside at an emergency youth shelter (EYS) in Canada (Gaetz et al, 2016;Kidd et al, 2017Kidd et al, , 2021.…”