Abstracts Category : Other

Housing and Social Support Among Individuals with Mental Illness

by Sz-Wing Melody Lam

Background: Housing and social support are related social determinants, but studies often focus on independent effects on health. Objectives: Evaluate social support measures and the relationship between housing and support in individuals with mental illness. Methods: Data was obtained from adults in Ontario who had a mental illness history. The Personal Resource Questionnaire, a perceived social support measure, was evaluated using factor analysis. Multiple linear regression and non-parametric tests assessed the relationship between housing and support. Results: Two factors emerged Perceived General Support and Perceived Intimate Support. Compared to homeless individuals, significantly higher support scores were found for individuals in familys home or group homes/ community care homes/ single rooms, but not own apartment or house, after controlling for demographic factors. Housing change type over time was not associated with support scores. Conclusion: Examining relationships between determinants is crucial to better understand and improve supports for individuals with mental illness.