Grant: Doctoral Award - Frederick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarships

Using mixed methodology, this project will look at the health and housing outcomes for homeless adults (n=504) who use volatile solvents in a randomized controlled trial of a Housing First intervention. Study 1: Using regression analyses, comparison of groups of individuals who use solvents and those who do not will be made across five outcome measures over a two year follow up period. The variables of interest include housing stability, physical and mental health status, social functioning, community integration and quality of life. Additionally, administrative health data (i.e., physician diagnosis, emergency service use, etc.) will be compared across the solvent use and non-solvent use groups. Study 2: Using Narrative methodology and photovoice techniques, semi-structured, in-depth interviews will be conducted with 15-20 participants of the solvent use group in order to answer the question: How do individuals who use volatile solvents articulate their experience of health in the context of a Housing First intervention? Implications: The findings of this study will provide direction for policy makers and service providers in terms of health service need and utilization by a marginalized sub-group of the urban homeless population. As well, information about the trajectory into and maintenance of volatile solvent use, homelessness, and aspirations for recovery may be uncovered in the qualitative findings adding to a scarce body of literature on adult solvent use.