Examining the Role of Self-Harm in the Relationship between Emergency Department Service Utilization and Trauma-Induced Homelessness among Homeless Individuals in Texas.

Journal: Health & social work

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Affiliated Institutions:  Sumaita Choudhury, MPH, is a doctoral candidate and research associate, Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health, Steve Hicks School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, Red River Street, Austin, TX , USA. Sharon Lee Choi, PhD, is a research associate, Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health, Steve Hicks School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA. Yehyang Lee, MS, is a graduate research assistant, Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health, Steve Hicks School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA. Stacey Stevens Manser, PhD, is a research scientist and associate director, Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health, Steve Hicks School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.

Abstract summary 

Homelessness is a complex public health problem in the United States. Current or ongoing history of trauma among individuals adds to the complexity and challenges of homelessness. Our study assessed the moderating role of self-harm in the association between emergency department (ED) service utilization and trauma-induced homelessness (TIH) among adults in Texas. Homeless adults (N = 282) who completed their baseline Vulnerability Index Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Prescreen Tool survey between February 2021 and February 2022 at a Local Mental Health Authority in Texas were selected. The outcome variable, TIH, was assessed by current period of homelessness due to experiencing trauma or abuse. The main independent variable was ED utilization, while self-harm in the past year was assessed as the moderating variable. A multivariate logistic regression with a moderation analysis was conducted while adjusting for the covariates. Individuals who utilized ED services and engaged in self-harm and risky behaviors had greater odds of experiencing current period of TIH. Male respondents were less likely to experience TIH. Finally, engaging in self-harm significantly moderated the association between ED service use and TIH. This study may help inform efforts to develop tailored interventions and promote resilience-based approaches to improve health outcomes among individuals experiencing homelessness due to TIH.

Authors & Co-authors:  Choudhury Choi Lee Manser

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations : 
Authors :  4
Identifiers
Doi : hlae002
SSN : 1545-6854
Study Population
Male
Mesh Terms
Other Terms
emergency department service utilization;homelessness;self-harm;trauma
Study Design
Study Approach
Country of Study
Publication Country
United States