A history in-care predicts unique characteristics in a homeless population with mental illness.
Multiple studies of homeless persons report an increased prevalence of a history in-care, but there is a dearth of information on associated outcomes or relevant demographic profiles. This information is critical to understanding if certain individuals are at elevated risk or might benefit from specific intervention. Here, we investigate how a history in-care relates to demographics and multiple outcome measures in a homeless population with mental illness. Using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), the Short-Form 12, and a trauma questionnaire, we investigated baseline differences in demographics and length of homelessness in the At Home/Chez Soi Trial (N=504) Winnipeg homeless population with and without a history in-care. Approximately 50% of the homeless sample reported a history in-care. This group was significantly more likely to be young, female, married or cohabitating, of Aboriginal heritage, have less education, and have longer lifetime homelessness. Individuals of Aboriginal heritage with a history in-care were significantly more likely to report a familial history of residential school. Individuals with a history in-care experienced different prevalence rates of Axis 1 mental disorders. Those with a history in-care also reported significantly more traumatic events (particularly interpersonal). A distinctive high-risk profile emerged for individuals with a history in-care. Sociocultural factors of colonization and intergenerational transmission of trauma appear to be particularly relevant in the trajectories for individuals of Aboriginal heritage. Given the high prevalence of a history in-care, interventions and policy should reflect the specific vulnerability of this population, particularly in regards to trauma-informed services.
University of Oregon, Department of Psychology, USA; University of Manitoba, Department of Psychiatry, Canada. Electronic address: lroos@uoregon.edu.
Leslie E
LE
Roos
University of Winnipeg, Department of Geography, Institute of Urban Studies, Canada; University of Manitoba, Department of Psychiatry, Canada.
Jino
J
Distasio
University of Manitoba, Department of Psychiatry, Canada; University of Manitoba, Department of Community Health Sciences, Canada.
Shay-Lee
SL
Bolton
University of Manitoba, Department of Psychiatry, Canada.
Laurence Y
LY
Katz
University of Manitoba, Department of Psychiatry, Canada; University of Manitoba, Department of Community Health Sciences, Canada; University of Manitoba, Department of Family Social Sciences, Canada.
Tracie O
TO
Afifi
University of Manitoba, Department of Psychiatry, Canada.
Corinne
C
Isaak
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Canada.
Paula
P
Goering
At Home/Chez Soi Mental Health and Homelessness Project, Winnipeg Site, Mental Health Commission of Canada, Canada.
Lucille
L
Bruce
University of Manitoba, Department of Psychiatry, Canada; University of Manitoba, Department of Community Health Sciences, Canada; University of Manitoba, Department of Psychology, Canada.
Jitender
J
Sareen
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005581:Foster Home Care / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008350:Manitoba / Q000453:epidemiology; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D040921:Stress Disorders, Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult
Foster care; Homelessness; Indigenous health; Trauma