The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #67483

Mimi Misung Kim, MS, School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2412 Lamont Norwood Rd., Pittsboro, NC 27312, 919-967-5550, mmkim@email.unc.edu

While it is believed that exposure to childhood abuse, violence in adulthood, or other traumatic events can have negative consequences on adult functioning, little is known about the impact of these experiences for homeless, substance abusing men. This study examined the prevalence and nature of victimization and the factors that impact trauma severity among homeless men from five substance abuse treatment centers in a southeastern state.

Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the impact of following three independent variables on trauma symptom severity: 1) the total number of stressful life events reported on the SLESQ (possible range zero to 13); 2) the total number of lifetime homeless episodes experienced; and 3) whether the subject had ever been diagnosed with a mental health disorder (coded yes/no).

Results from the multiple regression analysis indicated that the overall model that included the three independent variables was significant (F=10.07, SS=21.46, df= 3, p =.001). Two of the independent variables, the number of stressful life events reported (t=3.40, â=.19, SE=.06, p=.001) and the presence of a mental health disorder (t=2.17, â=.54, SE=.25, p=.03), significantly contributed to the prediction of trauma symptom severity. The number of episodes of homelessness (t=1.94, â= .12, SE= .06, p= .06) did not contribute significantly to the model. Altogether, the independent variables predicted 32.7% of the variability in trauma symptom severity.

Results indicate that the majority of subjects in this study had experienced multiple traumatic events during their lifetime – particularly exposure to violence or threats of violence.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to:
• Recognize the prevalence of trauma symptoms among homeless men.
• Identify the improtance of integrating trauma recovery into substance abuse and/or mental health treatment protocols.
• Define specific steps that will help to improve short term substance abuse and/or mental health treatment, particularly recidivism.

Keywords: Homelessness, Mental Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: This project was funded by the North Carolina Governor's Institute