title: The interplay of rural issues, mental illness, substance use and housing problems.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  People with mental illness and substance use problems form a significant subgroup of the homeless population. International research has begun to document the complex experiences of this vulnerable group; however, less attention has focused on those living in rural areas.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study sought to determine the experiences of people with mental illness and/or substance use issues, experiencing significant housing problems in rural areas.
  
  
  METHODS
  Within a qualitative framework, individual interviews were conducted with 40 respondents in Australia.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Themes generated a discussion around three main areas; (1) current housing problems, (2) pathways into unsuitable housing, and (3) factors contributing to appropriate accommodation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The need for agency staff to identify and assist with the housing issues of their clients is underscored.
authors.affiliation: School of History, Research School of Social Sciences, College of Arts and Social Sciences, Australian National University , Canberra , Australia .
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Reupert
authors.forename: Keith
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sutton
authors.forename: Darryl
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Maybery
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000523:psychology*; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012423:Rural Health; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Australia; drug issues; homelessness; housing; mental health; rural