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01-04-2019 | Original Article

Residential moves and its association with substance use, healthcare needs, and acute care use among homeless and vulnerably housed persons in Canada

Authors: Miriam Harris, Anne Gadermann, Monica Norena, Matthew To, Anita M. Hubley, Tim Aubry, Stephen Hwang, Anita Palepu

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 3/2019

Abstract

Objectives

To determine the relationship between housing instability, as measured by the number of residential moves, with problematic substance use, unmet healthcare needs, and acute care utilization.

Methods

A cohort of homeless or vulnerably housed persons from Vancouver (n = 387), Toronto (n = 390), and Ottawa (n = 396) completed interviewer-administered surveys at baseline and annually for 4 years from 2009 to 2013. Generalized mixed effects logistic regression models were used to examine the association between the number of residential moves and each of the three outcome variables, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

The number of residential moves was significantly associated with higher acute care utilization [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.25; 95% confidence interval (CI) CI: 1.17–1.33], unmet healthcare needs (AOR 1.14; 95% CI: 1.07–1.22), and problematic substance use (AOR 1.26; 95% CI: 1.16–1.36). Having chronic physical or mental conditions and recent incarceration were also found to be associated with the outcomes.

Conclusions

Housing instability increased the odds of all three poor health metrics, highlighting the importance of stable housing as a critical social determinant of health.

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Title: Residential moves and its association with substance use, healthcare needs, and acute care use among homeless and vulnerably housed persons in Canada
Authors: Miriam Harris
Anne Gadermann
Monica Norena
Matthew To
Anita M. Hubley
Tim Aubry
Stephen Hwang
Anita Palepu
Publication date: 01-04-2019
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: International Journal of Public Health / Issue 3/2019
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-018-1167-6

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Springer Medicine

Residential moves and its association with substance use, healthcare needs, and acute care use among homeless and vulnerably housed persons in Canada

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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