Sociodemographic, clinical and help-seeking characteristics of homeless young people with recent onset of psychosis enrolled in specialized early intervention services

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Amplify OnTrackNY publication summaries summarize peer-reviewed publications focused on quality improvement or research conducted to help us learn & improve the program.

Study snapshot

It is estimated that 20% of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia experience homelessness in a given year. However, little is known about the factors related to homelessness in OnTrackNY participants.¹  

This study asks:

1. How many OnTrackNY participants are affected by homelessness?
2. What are the characteristics of OnTrackNY participants experiencing homelessness?
3. How do OnTrackNY participants experiencing homelessness differ from participants in stable housing at enrollment into the program?

These data come from team reports on housing status at program enrollment. This study is based on 1349 diverse OnTrackNY participants enrolled across 21 teams in NY state. The average age of individuals was 21 years. The percent of males in this sample was 73%

Figure 1: Who participated in this study?

This study is based on 1349 diverse OnTrackNY participants enrolled across 21 teams in NY state.​​​​​​

Study findings

Finding 1. A small number (6%) of participants enrolled in OnTrackNY reported experiencing homelessness at the start of the program.

Finding 2. There was no difference between those experiencing homelessness and those in stable housing in the average time between the start of symptoms and beginning treatment.

Finding 3. Participants reporting homelessness were less likely to have accessed public financial resources or assistance from family.

Finding 4. These participants had lower rates of employment and school participation, despite similar educational attainment.

Finding 5. They were also rated as having less ability to maintain relationships and perform tasks related to work and school, and more severe symptoms.

Finding 6. Participants experiencing homelessness had more involvement with the legal system, and it was more likely that law enforcement and emergency services played a role in their first contact with mental health treatment.

Final thoughts

OnTrackNY programs serving participants experiencing homelessness may need different tools. Partnering with a range of community organizations to access housing, financial, and legal resources, in addition to education and employment services, may be necessary. Additional efforts may also be needed to identify and engage youth experiencing homelessness.

References

1. Lee R, Scodes J, van der Ven E, Alves-Bradford JM, Mascayano F, Smith S, Dixon L. Sociodemographic, clinical and help-seeking characteristics of homeless young people with recent onset of psychosis enrolled in specialized early intervention services. Early Interv Psychiatry. 2021 Aug;15(4):1044-1050. doi: 10.1111/eip.13028. Epub 2020 Sep 2. PMID: 32875676; PMCID: PMC8237376.

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