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Carol L.M. Caton, PhD1, Deborah S. Hasin, PhD1, Patrick E. Shrout, PhD2, Alan Felix, MD3, Hunter McQuistion, MD4, Boanerges Dominguez, MS1, and Bella M. Schanzer, MD5. (1) Joseph L. Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 56, New York, NY 10032, 212-305-3503, clc3@columbia.edu, (2) Psychology, New York University, 6 Washington Place, Room 550, New York, NY 10003, (3) Medical Director of the Westchester Families First Program, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg, NY 10962, (4) Project Renewal, 200 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014, (5) Joseph Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 600 W168th St., 5th Flr., New York, NY 10023
Identification of risk factors for long-term homelessness is necessary for policy initiatives to end chronic homelessness. However, longitudinal data on the course of homelessness has been lacking. To address this gap, we conducted a NIDA-funded study of the course of homelessness among newly “literally” homeless adults admitted to New York City municipal shelters. 377 men and women who gave voluntary informed consent were interviewed at baseline and at intervals for 18 months. Standardized assessments by trained raters included use of treatment services, psychiatric symptoms (PANSS) and diagnosis (SCID), interpersonal and ego strengths (MEPSI), and employment. Baseline characteristics and their relationship with time to housing were evaluated. Using Cox Regression Model, age was found to be a significant predictor for remaining homeless (p=0.012). Stratifying by age (18 to 44; 45 and older), we found the older group was 1.5 times more likely to be homeless at eighteen months than the younger group. Using Kaplan-Meier Survival Curve Analysis, risk factors for the younger group included drug treatment within the prior month (p=.042), an arrest history (p=.037), and greater negative symptoms (p=.033). Risk factors for the older group included a history of alcohol treatment (p=.033), more impaired interpersonal and ego strengths (p=.012), greater personal dysfunction (p=.050), and current unemployment (p=.005). Preventive efforts should consider life cycle issues that increase the risk of chronic homelessness.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, the participant (learner) will be able to
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.