Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Pathways To Homelessness: Exploring The Mental Health Experiences Of Refugees Experiencing Homelessness In Canada, Bridget Annor

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

BACKGROUND: Homelessness among refugees continues to be a growing issue in Canada. Recent reports indicate the rapidly growing population of refugees, most especially refugee claimants, accessing emergency shelters in Canada. Research to date has been limited on how the diversity of factors, such as refugee’s mental health experiences, could potentially play a role as pathways to shelter. The purpose of this study therefore is to explore the mental health experiences of refugees through their pathways to homelessness in Canada.

METHODS: This study, a secondary analysis, is framed within the critical theoretical perspective and an intersectional lens. The study sample …

Social Inclusion For Women Experiencing Homelessness, Jenna Richards

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Background: People experiencing homelessness have been described as one of the most socially excluded groups in society due to their inequitable access to basic necessities (Everett 2009; Labonte, 2004). Particular consideration regarding social inclusion should be given to the unique vulnerabilities of sub-populations of those experiencing homelessness, such as women (Wesely & Wright, 2005) due to their increased rates of ‘hidden homelessness’ (Walsh et al., 2009) and experiences of violence and discrimination (Roschelle, 2017; Weiser et al., 2009). Community participation, particularly sports activities, have been cited as one method towards increasing social inclusion among people experiencing homelessness. However, differential access …

Gender And Experiences Of Family Homelessness, Fawziah Almalki

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

BACKGROUND: Family homelessness is a growing issue in Canada. Families have been reported as the most rapidly increasing population of emergency shelter users. The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of family homelessness in A mid-sized Canadian city and, in particular, the role that gender plays in these experiences.

METHODS: This project was a secondary analysis situated within a critical theoretical perspective. The data for this study, consisting of 4 focus groups, 36 family member participants interviews, and 10 shelter staff members interviews, was extracted from a primary study that focused on diversion from family homelessness. Qualitative …

Exploring Harm Reduction Among Canadian Veterans Experiencing Homelessness, Olivia Marsella

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

BACKGROUND: The use of substances is substantially higher among people experiencing homelessness than the general population (Podymow, Turnbull, Coyle, Yetisir, & Wells, 2006). In Canada, veteran homelessness is an increasing concern and it is estimated that there are 2,950 veterans experiencing homelessness (Gaetz et al., 2016). Furthermore, veterans often use substances, particularly alcohol, to cope with the transition from the military to civilian life (Ray & Forchuk, 2011). A strategy that has been shown to reduce the negative harms of substance use and facilitate housing stability is harm reduction (MacNeil & Pauly, 2010). Exploring how veterans who have experienced homelessness …

The Relationship Between Elements Of Health And Social Systems And Substance Use Severity For Individuals Experiencing Homelessness, Sommer Froats

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Canadians experiencing homelessness often live with severe substance use (Aubry et al., 2015; Khandor & Mason, 2007). Health challenges related to severe substance use contribute to the early mortality experienced by homeless Canadians (Hwang, Wilkins, Tjepkema, O’Campo & Dunn, 2009). This population also experience health and social system disadvantages. Using General Systems Theory, relationships between substance use severity and access to health care, housing stability, therapeutic relationship and quality of family and friends relationships were explored as elements of health and social systems. A correlational secondary analysis examined this in a sample of 65 individuals accessing housing first. Relationships were …

Mothers Experiencing Homelessness: Social Exclusion, Resistance, And Health, Sarah Benbow

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Background and Purpose: Mothers experiencing homelessness in Canada are faced with unique challenges in achieving health. The purpose of this two-phase study was to critically examine the socio-political context, health needs, exclusionary and inclusionary forces, and strategies of resistance demonstrated by mothers experiencing homelessness.

Methodology: This study falls under the critical paradigm informed by the theoretical perspective of intersectionality. Methodologies employed included critical narrative and critical discourse analysis. Data were collected at various homeless shelters and programs that provide services for women and mothers who are homeless in Southern Ontario. A purposive sample of women experiencing homelessness, and service …

Comparison Of Housed And Homeless Patients With An Orthopedic Diagnosis, Susan M. Williams

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Studies on homelessness have shown that people who are homeless are admitted to hospital more frequently, for longer periods of time, and at a younger age than people who are housed. Once admitted to hospital, discharge planning is difficult and resource intensive, often leading to discharge back to the streets or a shelter. This puts this population at risk for complications and readmission. Although people who are homeless are prone to orthopedic injuries, there is no research on the outcomes of patients who are homeless with orthopedic injuries. This retrospective, case control study, based on the social determinants of health, …

Client-Provider Relationships In A Community Health Clinic For People Experiencing Homelessness: A Critical Ethnography, Abram Oudshoorn

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

People who are experiencing homelessness have the highest rates of morbidity, and the lowest age of mortality in Canada. The importance of health care relationships in addressing the needs of people who are experiencing homelessness has been demonstrated. However, two gaps still exist in the literature. Firstly, the dialectical relationship between space/place and social relations has been neglected in the context of health care and homelessness. Secondly, there is a dearth of research on the role of formal and informal policies on the enactment of client-provider relationships in this context. Therefore, in this study three research questions are addressed: 1) …