Correlates of Acquiring a Traumatic Brain Injury before Experiencing Homelessness: An Exploratory Study

Stephanie Chassman (), Katie Calhoun, Blair Bacon, Sara Chaparro Rucobo, Emily Goodwin, Kim Gorgens and Daniel Brisson
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Stephanie Chassman: Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, CO 80208, USA
Katie Calhoun: Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, CO 80208, USA
Blair Bacon: Anschutz School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
Sara Chaparro Rucobo: Graduate School of Professional Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO 80210, USA
Emily Goodwin: Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University, La Mirada, CA 90639, USA
Kim Gorgens: Graduate School of Professional Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO 80210, USA
Daniel Brisson: Graduate School of Professional Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO 80210, USA

Social Sciences, 2022, vol. 11, issue 8, 1-13

Abstract: The rates of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are significantly higher among individuals experiencing homelessness compared to the general population. The relationship between TBI and homelessness is likely bi-directional as factors associated with homelessness may increase the risk of acquiring a TBI, and factors associated with TBI could lead to homelessness. This study builds upon previous research by investigating the following research questions: (1) What are the rates of TBI among a sample of individuals experiencing homelessness? (2) Does a TBI experience precede or follow an initial period of homelessness? And, (3) What are the correlates of TBI prior to homelessness including self-reported mental health variables? A cross-sectional study design and purposive sampling were utilized to interview 115 English-speaking adults (ages 18–73) in two Colorado cities. Results show, 71% of total participants reported a significant history of TBI, and of those, 74% reported a TBI prior to experiencing homelessness. Our logistic regression models reveal a significant relationship between mental health and acquiring a TBI prior to experiencing homelessness. Implications include prioritizing permanent supportive housing followed by other supportive services.

Keywords: homelessness; traumatic brain injury; mental health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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