Faculty Collaboration Database

Health-related quality of life and related factors among chronically homeless adults living in different permanent supportive housing models: a cross-sectional study. Qual Life Res 2020 Aug;29(8):2051-2061

Date

03/31/2020

Pubmed ID

32222931

Pubmed Central ID

PMC7367711

DOI

10.1007/s11136-020-02482-w

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85082953168 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   5 Citations

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.

Author List

Spector AL, Quinn KG, McAuliffe TL, DiFranceisco W, Bendixen A, Dickson-Gomez J

Authors

Wayne J. DiFranceisco Research Scientist II in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Julia Dickson-Gomez PhD Professor in the Institute for Health and Equity department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Timothy L. McAuliffe PhD Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Katherine Quinn PhD Associate Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Chronic Disease
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Housing
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Quality of Life