Multivariable modelling of factors associated with criminal convictions among people experiencing homelessness and serious mental illness: a multi-year study.

People experiencing homelessness and serious mental illness exhibit high rates of criminal justice system involvement. Researchers have debated the causes of such involvement among people experiencing serious mental illness, including what services to prioritize. Some, for example, have emphasized mental illness while others have emphasized poverty.

The association between experiencing homelessness in childhood or youth and adult housing stability in Housing First.

Background: Researchers have pointed out the paucity of research investigating long-term consequences of experiencing homelessness in childhood or youth. Limited research has indicated that the experience of homelessness in childhood or youth is associated with adverse adjustment-related consequences in adulthood. Housing First (HF) has acknowledged effectiveness in improving housing outcomes among adults experiencing homelessness and living with serious mental illness, although some HF clients struggle with maintaining housing.

The effect of Housing First on adherence to methadone maintenance treatment.

Background: Opioid overdose deaths have become a public health crisis in North America, and those who are homeless are particularly vulnerable. Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) may prevent overdose and death among homeless people with opioid dependence, but suboptimal medication adherence is a common limitation. Previous research found that Housing First (HF) increases antipsychotic medication adherence among formerly homeless people.

Characteristics of adherence to methadone maintenance treatment over a 15-year period among homeless adults experiencing mental illness.

Background: Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) has important protective effects related to reduced illicit opioid use, infectious disease transmission, and overdose mortality. Adherence to MMT has not been examined among homeless people. We measured MMT adherence and reported relevant characteristics among homeless adults experiencing mental illness in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Housing First and Unprotected Sex: A Structural Intervention.

Unlabelled: Elevated prevalence estimates of sexually transmitted infections and sexual risk behaviors have commonly been reported among homeless and precariously housed adults. Research has increasingly recognized the importance and impact of structural factors, such as housing, on risk behaviors. Several researchers have argued that supported housing interventions, such as Housing First (HF), may contribute to reductions in sexual risk behavior.

Food Insecurity among Homeless Adults with Mental Illness.

Background: The prevalence of food insecurity and food insufficiency is high among homeless people. We investigated the prevalence and correlates of food insecurity among a cohort of homeless adults with mental illness in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Methods: Data collected from baseline questionnaires in the Vancouver At Home study were analysed to calculate the prevalence of food insecurity within the sample (n = 421).

Accuracy of reported service use in a cohort of people who are chronically homeless and seriously mentally ill.

Background: Self-reported service use is an integral feature of interventional research with people who are homeless and mentally ill. The objective of this study was to investigate the accuracy of self-reported involvement with major categories of publicly funded services (health, justice, social welfare) within this sub-population.

Methods: Measures were administered pre-randomization in two randomized controlled trials, using timeline follow back with calendar aids for Health, Social, and Justice Service Use, compared to linked administrative data.

A 10-year retrospective analysis of hospital admissions and length of stay among a cohort of homeless adults in Vancouver, Canada.

Background: Homelessness is associated with a very high prevalence of substance use and mental disorders and elevated levels of acute health service use. Among the homeless, little is known regarding the relative impact of specific mental disorders on healthcare utilization. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between different categories of diagnosed mental disorders with hospital admission and length of stay (LOS) in a cohort of homeless adults in Vancouver, Canada.