Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
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An investigation of mental health care delivery from consumers’ perspectives
- Author:
- LEIPERSBERGER Tatjana
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 15(1), 2007, pp.1-21.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
People who are both homeless and suffering from severe mental problems face many difficulties, which are explored in semi-structured interviews with 25 individuals recruited from a mental health centre in a large Midwestern city. The Constant Comparative Method of analysis revealed a range of barriers to engagement with mental health services, including: personal distrust and fear; poverty; the inexperience and high turnover of mental health staff; and societal stigma against homelessness and mental illness. The findings give support to the importance of a single helping individual, and the availability of private space. (Copies of this article are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Centre, Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580).
“Nuts, schiz, psycho”: an exploration of young homeless people's perceptions and dilemmas of defining mental health
- Authors:
- O'REILLY Michelle, TAYLOR Helen C., VOSTANIS Panos
- Journal article citation:
- Social Science and Medicine, 68(9), May 2009, pp.1737-1744.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
This research explores the term ‘mental health’ as articulated by a group of young people living in homeless shelters utilising staff in a mental health service. This mental health service was offered in 5 large geographical areas (urban, semi-urban and rural) in England to 18 homeless shelters and we interviewed 25 homeless young people, 5 Mental Health Coordinators and 12 homeless shelter staff. Using discourse analysis of semi-structured interviews, the ideological dilemmas presented by the young people were investigated. They report negative and stigmatising descriptions of mental health despite their involvement with a mental health service. Four key interpretative repertoires are identified; denial of problems, mental health as negative, the need to talk, and challenging prejudice. It is concluded that the term ‘mental health’, which appears in the title of the service (of which they are clients), presents barriers for usage but works to challenge prejudice and educate young people. Discussion of the implications of naming services and the importance of shared meanings are considered.
“If something happened, I will leave it, let it go and move on”: resiliency and victimized homeless women’s attitudes toward mental health counseling
- Authors:
- HUEY Laura, FTHENOS Georgios, HRYNIEWICZ Danielle
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 28(2), 2013, pp.295-319.
- Publisher:
- Sage
This study investigated homeless women’s experiences of violent criminal victimisation and their attitudes toward accessing various post-victimisation assistance, in particular, mental health counselling. Participants included 60 women, aged 18 to 70 years, from Detroit and Chicago, United States. Findings revealed the extent to which victimised homeless women exhibited signs of resiliency through both attitudes and coping behaviours. Their expressed attitudes demonstrate the existence of a complex set of relationships between trauma, resiliency, and the desire to access mental health services. Implications for the delivery of mental health services to this group are discussed.
Factors associated with adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy in homeless or unstably housed adults living with HIV
- Authors:
- ROYAL Scott W., et al
- Journal article citation:
- AIDS Care, 21(4), April 2009, pp.448-455.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
The aim of this study is to investigate adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) who are homeless or unstably housed. The authors evaluated homeless or unstably housed PLWHA (n=644) in three US cities enrolled in the Housing and Health Study. Using baseline data and controlling for gender, race, age, and education, they examined associations between self-reported two- and Seven-day adherence and access to healthcare, mental health, substance use, and attitudes toward HIV medical therapy. Of the 644 participants, 358 (55%) were currently on HAART. For two-day adherence, 280 (78%) reported missing no prescribed doses (100% adherence), and for seven-day adherence, 291 (81%) reported ≥90% adherence. Logistic regression analyses indicated being younger, not having health insurance, and drug use were associated with missing ≥1 dose over the past two days. Scoring lower on SF-36 mental component summary scale and having greater risk of depression (CES-D) and stress (Perceived Stress Scale) were associated with poorer adherence for both two- and seven-day outcomes. Negative attitudes toward HIV treatment were also associated with lower adherence. Adherence to HIV medications in this population is similar to other groups. Coexisting problems of access to healthcare, higher risk of mental health problems, along with poorer attitudes toward treatment are associated with increased likelihood of missing doses. Comprehensive models of HIV care that include a continuum of medical and social services are essential for treating this population.
Addressing the needs of homeless women with mental health problems
- Authors:
- PARRY-CROOKE Georgie, CROFT-WHITE Clare
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health Care, 1(7), March 1998, pp.229-232.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
Numbers of homeless women with mental health problems have risen dramatically in recent years. Yet hostels may be reluctant or unable to offer them accommodation; staff can feel unsupported and ill-prepared, and relations with statutory mental health services can be strained. The authors report on services for women offered by London direct access hostels, and highlight a number of areas needing action.