Exploring aspects of self care amongst the homeless
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring aspects of self care amongst the homeless
IRAS ID
186244
Contact name
Vibhu Paudyal
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Robert Gordon University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 28 days
Research summary
Homelessness takes many forms including rough sleeping, living in derelict buildings, temporary shelters offered by local councils as well as living in squats or sofa surfing. Homelessness is a widespread problem in Scotland and in Aberdeen. There were 1,191 households assessed as homeless in 2012-2013 in Aberdeen City in 2011-12 with similar numbers in Aberdeenshire. Despite the efforts being made by several charities, as well as the Scottish Government and Aberdeen City Council, to manage homelessness, it is estimated that it would take up to four years to provide housing to all of those currently on the waiting list. This suggests that homelessness will continue to remain a societal challenge for the foreseeable future.
Health status of the homeless is known to be lower compared to the rest of the population. Homeless population are known to demonstrate: higher prevalence of long term illnesses, infectious diseases drug or alcohol misuse, mental health problems, infectious diseases as well as low self reported health status The homeless population is also vulnerable to hazards relevant to living on the streets such as injuries, assault, exposure and skin problems.
Self care is a broader concept and encompasses what people do for themselves to establish and maintain health, prevent and deal with illness’. The concept of self care covers seven domains namely: health literacy; self-awareness of physical and mental condition, physical activity, healthy eating, risk avoidance or mitigation (including avoidance of tobacco and illicit drug use and limiting alcohol), good hygiene and rational and responsible use of medicines and health care services.
Available evidence suggests that engagement in responsible self-care is linked to better health outcomes, improved quality of life, and decreased medical costs. This project aims to investigate facilitators and barriers to engagement in self care by the homeless patients.
REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/EM/0404
Date of REC Opinion
7 Sep 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion