The neuropsychological needs of individuals experiencing homelessness
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An exploration of the neuropsychological needs of individuals experiencing homelessness
IRAS ID
230238
Contact name
Cormac Duffy
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Lancaster
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
17/NW/0509, NHS REC Reference Number
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 16 days
Research summary
The number of people sleeping rough has doubled since 2010 (Government, 2015). Research indicates a higher rate of cognitive impairment in those experiencing homelessness compared to the general population (Burra, Stergiopoulos, & Rourke, 2009) with some estimates as high as 80% (Spence, Stevens, & Parks, 2004). A multitude of issues affect those experiencing homelessness that contribute to cognitive deficits including enduring mental health difficulties, substance misuse, and brain injury (BI) (Backer & Howard, 2007; Seidman, Caplan, Tlomiczenko et al., 1997). Studies indicate that BI in those experiencing homelessness is common (Topolovec-Vranic et al., 2012). A lack of research in this area makes is difficult to ascertain an exact figure but two UK studies estimate the prevalence of traumatic BI is 46-46% (Bremner et al., 1996; Oddy et al., 2012). When alcohol or substance-related BI and dementias are considered, the figure increases. The culmination of this body of research is the likelihood that a substantial proportion of people experiencing homelessness also experience difficulty with their cognitive functioning.
The cognitive impairment associated with these issues affects functioning in a wide range of areas including attention and memory (Burra, Stergiopoulos, & Rourke, 2009). This can make it difficult to engage in activities required for daily living and maintaining a household. Accessing and engaging with support from services is made increasingly difficult as it usually requires significant planning and organising skills.
This study will gather detailed information to develop a clear understanding of the neuropsychological needs of those experiencing homelessness. Participants will be recruited from homelessness support services. Once recruited they will complete a validated BI screening tool, neurocognitive assessment, and questionnaire exploring health behaviours and interaction with different services. This self-report data will be supported by information from participants’ health records, which can provide confirmation of a BI (McMillan et. al., 2014).REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NW/0509
Date of REC Opinion
2 Oct 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion