The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #44052

Michael F. Polgar, PhD¹, Carol S. North, MD, MPE², and David E. Pollio, PhD¹. (1) School of Social Work, Washington University, One Brookings Dr., Box 1196, St. Louis, MO 63130-4899, (314) 935-9740, polgar@gwbmail.wustl.edu, (2) School of Medicine, Washington University, Department of Psychiatry, 660 S Euclid, CB 8134, Renard Building, Room 2210, St. Louis, MO 63110

Mental health and substance abuse disorders disproportionately affect homeless people, magnified by the high rates of unmet health care needs for the homeless and poor. Research studies of homeless adults and their families improve our capacity to design and implement palliative and preventive evidence-based interventions. The resilience of families and kinship groups is recognized despite stress and hardship, with perceived benefits accruing from difficult situations.

This presentation will summarize innovative new data on homelessness based on an initial sample of 400 homeless adults. Based on family member information provided, we surveyed 118 family pairs, where one person was homeless at baseline. We measured family burden, social support, family strengths, and other family experiences. We then compared family experience across categories of homeless adults. In the homeless sample, two thirds had a lifetime experience of substance abuse disorder, mental health disorder, or was dually diagnosed with both.

Overall, the degree of family burden varies by family contact Family strengths are many and varied, primary and secondary social support for homelessness are moderately helpful, but satisfaction with health and quality of life is low. There are multiple indications that families affected by homelessness need education and support in finding help for both themselves and their relatives. The burdens of homelessness increase when they are compounded by mental disorders. The degree of helpful social support experienced by families was also higher when a mental disorder did not compound the problems of homelessness.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to identify and articulate the benefits and burdens of families coping with the problems of mental health and homelessness.

Keywords: Homelessness, Mental Health

Related Web page: gwbweb.wustl.edu/users/cmhsr/pilots/Familiesaspartners.html

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.