Understanding the Health and Health-Related Social Needs of Youth Experiencing Homelessness: A Photovoice Study

Abstract

Purpose: Homelessness is a major public health problem facing millions of youths across the United States (U.S.), with lesbian gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning (LGBTQ+) youths and youths of color being disproportionately at higher risk. This study obtains an understanding of the health and health-related social needs of youths experiencing homelessness during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: A total of 14 youths between the ages of 14 and 24 who (a) lived, worked, or attended school in New Britain, Connecticut (CT) and (b) had at least one experience of homelessness or housing insecurity worked with the research team to conduct a needs assessment regarding youth homelessness. Using photovoice, a community-based participatory research method, participants created photo narratives to share their stories and recommendations for community change. The main goals of photovoice are to enable participants to (1) record and represent their everyday realities; (2) promote critical dialogue and knowledge about person and community strengths and concerns; and (3) reach policy makers. Results: Most of the participants identified as youths of color, and half of the participants identified as members of the LGBTQ+ community. Three major themes that appeared in the youths’ narratives include the following: mental health and substance use challenges, trouble accessing basic human needs, and lack of a social support system. Conclusion: This study uplifts and empowers a vulnerable population to increase visibility around a major public health challenge from their own lived experiences. Despite the challenges that were voiced, many participants shared a sense of hope and resiliency. The major themes endorsed by the youths has the potential of informing practitioners and policy makers of how to better address the needs of youths experiencing homelessness, particularly those most at risk.

Co‐production of health and social science research with vulnerable children and young people: A rapid review

“…CYP have complex and dynamic lives 25 and therefore have to balance co‐production with their education, social, work, sport and family commitments. For vulnerable CYP, taking an active role poses even greater challenges—for example, owing to disabilities, health problems, shifting life circumstances or limited resources, or because they are in care, homeless or street connected 18,34,38,40,45,51 …”

“…For vulnerable CYP, taking an active role poses even greater challenges—for example, owing to disabilities, health problems, shifting life circumstances or limited resources, or because they are in care, homeless or street connected. 18 , 34 , 38 , 40 , 45 , 51 …”

“…For vulnerable CYP, taking an active role poses even greater challenges-for example, owing to disabilities, health problems, shifting life circumstances or limited resources, or because they are in care, homeless or street connected. 18,34,38,40,45,51 Working with and accommodating the needs of vulnerable CYP can necessitate providing support to CYP across many aspects of their daily lives. 45,47 Building mutual trust and understanding and supporting CYP to engage through difficult times is important.…”

“…Burke et al, 50 Curran et al, 46 Taylor et al, 37 Torronen et al, 38 Garcia et al, 39 Lincoln et al, 28 Mitchell et al 30 Ritterbusch et al 31 Coser et al, 47 Dadswell et al, 22 Funk et al, 43 Kramer et al, 48 Lam et al, 44 Varjavandi 29 Chappell et al, 49 Damian et al 51…”

A Qualitative Assessment of Place and Mental Health: Perspectives of Young Women Ages 18–24 Living in the Urban Slums of Kampala, Uganda

“…The qualitative assessment presented in this paper is a study component of a broader participatory photography project using the PhotoVoice approach [62,63]. In this case, the PhotoVoice methodology uses photography as a way for young women to tell their own story about their community and not giving up.…”