Improving Health and Housing for Homeless People
Author Information
Author(s): Fitzpatrick-Lewis Donna, Ganann Rebecca, Krishnaratne Shari, Ciliska Donna, Kouyoumdjian Fiona, Hwang Stephen W
Primary Institution: The Effective Public Health Practice Project, School of Nursing, McMaster University
Hypothesis
Can interventions improve the health and housing status of homeless individuals?
Conclusion
Interventions that provide housing and support services can significantly improve health outcomes and housing stability for homeless populations.
Supporting Evidence
- Provision of housing upon hospital discharge improved sustained housing for homeless individuals with mental illness.
- Abstinence-contingent housing was more effective in supporting housing status and substance abstinence than non-abstinence contingent housing.
- Health promotion programs can decrease risk behaviors among homeless populations.
Takeaway
This study shows that giving homes to homeless people helps them stay healthy and reduces their need for medical care.
Methodology
A systematic review of 1,546 articles, with 84 relevant studies assessed for quality.
Potential Biases
High attrition and lack of blinding in many studies could introduce bias.
Limitations
Most studies were of weak quality, and the review may have missed some relevant studies due to time constraints.
Participant Demographics
Included homeless individuals with mental illness, substance abuse issues, and those living with HIV.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < .001
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 0.96-0.99
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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