Dataset Information

Health-related quality of life and related factors among chronically homeless adults living in different permanent supportive housing models: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Permanent supportive housing (PSH) is an effective intervention to improve residential stability and reduce the utilization of costlier healthcare services for the chronically homeless. However, there has been little focus on health-related quality of life (HRQL) once they enter PSH, and the potential influence of other factors including the PSH model. Study results can shed light on the HRQL of the PSH population and inform strategies to improve PSH program effectiveness in this area.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, survey methods were used to assess the HRQL of PSH residents in the Chicago metropolitan area. The survey also included questions on socio-demographics, health behaviors, housing and neighborhood characteristics, and housing satisfaction. The SF-36 was used to obtain physical (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores for HRQL. Other variables were selected using the Wilson and Cleary HRQL model. Statistical analyses included summary statistics, bivariate analyses, and fully adjusted linear regression models.

Results

The study sample included 855 adults currently in PSH. The sample was predominantly African American men with an average age of 53 years. Mean scores for PCS and MCS were 39.4 and 46.1, respectively, (out of 100). In adjusted analyses, older age and being on disability were associated with worse PCS. Having HIV was associated with better PCS. Being non-Hispanic Black, living in fixed-sited housing, and being in PSH for longer durations were associated with better MCS. More depressive symptoms was associated with worse PCS and MCS.

Conclusion

While both aspects of the PSH model (housing configuration and service provision) were initially associated with HRQL in unadjusted analyses, housing configuration was the only PSH model variable that remained significant once accounting for other factors. Depressive symptomology and the social environment also appear to be important correlates of HRQL and are potential areas to target in PSH programs.

SUBMITTER: Spector AL

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7367711 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:ObjectiveTo examine whether randomization to permanent supportive housing (PSH) versus usual care reduces the use of acute health care and other services among chronically homeless high users of county-funded services.Data sourcesBetween 2015 and 2019, we assessed service use from Santa Clara County, CA, administrative claims data for all county-funded health care, jail and shelter, and mortality.Study designWe conducted a randomized controlled trial among chronically homeless high users of multiple systems. We compared postrandomization outcomes from county-funded systems using multivariate regression analysis.Data collectionWe extracted encounter data from an integrated database capturing health care at county-funded facilities, shelter and jails, county housing placement, and death certificates.Principal findingsWe enrolled 423 participants (199 intervention; 224 control). Eighty-six percent of those randomized to PSH received housing compared with 36 percent in usual care. On average, the 169 individuals housed by the PSH intervention have remained housed for 28.8 months (92.9 percent of the study follow-up period). Intervention group members had lower rates of psychiatric ED visits IRR 0.62; 95% CI [0.43, 0.91] and shelter days IRR 0.30; 95% CI [0.17, 0.53], and higher rates of ambulatory mental health services use IRR 1.84; 95% CI [1.43, 2.37] compared to controls. We found no differences in total ED or inpatient use, or jail. Seventy (37 treatment; 33 control) participants died.ConclusionsThe intervention placed and retained frequent user, chronically homeless individuals in housing. It decreased psychiatric ED visits and shelter use, and increased outpatient mental health care, but not medical ED visits or hospitalizations. Limitations included more than one-third of usual care participants received another form of subsidized housing, potentially biasing results to the null, and loss of power due to high death rates. PSH can house high-risk individuals and reduce emergent psychiatric services and shelter use. Reductions in hospitalizations may be more difficult to realize.

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