Social exclusion, health and hidden homelessness

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2016

Publication Title

Public Health

Volume

139

First Page

96

Keywords

clinical article, content analysis, coping behavior, ethnography, female, funding, health, Health Behavior, Hidden homeless, holistic care, homelessness, housing, human, informed consent, interview, male, policy, poverty, Qualitative interviews, research ethics, social determinants of health, Social exclusion, social interaction, social isolation, study design, wellbeing

Last Page

102

DOI

10.1016/j.puhe.2016.05.017

Abstract

Objectives Homelessness and poverty are extreme forms of social exclusion which extend beyond the lack of physical or material needs. The purpose of this study was to explore and expand the concept of social exclusion within the social determinants of health perspective – to understand how the social environment, health behaviours and health status are associated with material and social deprivation. Study design Fundamental qualitative description with tones of focused ethnography. Methods Participants who identified as hidden homeless described their everyday living conditions and how these everyday conditions were impacted and influenced by their social environments, coping/health behaviours and current health status. Research Ethics Board approval was granted and informed consents were obtained from 21 participants prior to the completion of individual interviews. Results Qualitative content analysis examined the descriptions of men and women experiencing hidden homelessness. Participants described the ‘lack of quality social interactions and supports’ and their ‘daily struggles of street life’. They also shared the ‘pain of addiction’ and how coping strategies influenced health. Participants were hopeful that their insights would ‘better the health of homeless people’ by helping shape public policy and funding of community resources that would reduce barriers and improve overall health. Conclusions Health professionals who understand health behaviours as coping mechanisms for poor quality social environments can provide more comprehensive and holistic care. The findings of this study can be used to support the importance of housing as a key factor in the health and well-being of people experiencing poverty, homelessness and social exclusion; and consequently, reinforces the need for a national housing strategy. © 2016 The Royal Society for Public Health

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