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Investigating the impacts of COVID-19 among LGBTQ2S youth experiencing homelessness

Author

Listed:
  • Alex Abramovich
  • Nelson Pang
  • Amanda Moss
  • Carmen H Logie
  • Michael Chaiton
  • Sean A Kidd
  • Hayley A Hamilton

Abstract

Background: LGBTQ2S youth are overrepresented among youth experiencing homelessness and experience significantly higher rates of mental health issues compared to heterosexual and cisgender youth. COVID-19 related challenges for LGBTQ2S youth experiencing homelessness remain unknown. To address this gap, this study aimed to understand the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on LGBTQ2S youth at risk of, and experiencing, homelessness in the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada and surrounding areas. Methods: Utilizing a mixed-methods convergent parallel design, LGBTQ2S youth experiencing homelessness were recruited to participate in virtual surveys and in-depth one-on-one interviews. Surveys included standardized measures and were administered to measure mental health outcomes and collect information on demographic characteristics, and health service use. Survey data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and statistical tests for difference of proportions. Interviews were analyzed using an iterative thematic content approach. Results: Sixty-one youth completed surveys and 20 youth participated in one-on-one interviews. Quantitative and qualitative data showed that youth have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in various ways, including experiencing poor mental health, such as suicidality, depression, anxiety, and increased substance use, and lack of access to health and social support services. Conclusion: Our study highlights the need for LGBTQ2S inclusive and affirming health care and support services for precariously housed adolescents to address the pre-existing social and health issues that have been exacerbated by the pandemic.

Suggested Citation

  • Alex Abramovich & Nelson Pang & Amanda Moss & Carmen H Logie & Michael Chaiton & Sean A Kidd & Hayley A Hamilton, 2021. "Investigating the impacts of COVID-19 among LGBTQ2S youth experiencing homelessness," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(9), pages 1-16, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0257693
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257693
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Johnson, Ginger A. & Vindrola-Padros, Cecilia, 2017. "Rapid qualitative research methods during complex health emergencies: A systematic review of the literature," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 189(C), pages 63-75.
    2. A Jess Williams & Christopher Jones & Jon Arcelus & Ellen Townsend & Aikaterini Lazaridou & Maria Michail, 2021. "A systematic review and meta-analysis of victimisation and mental health prevalence among LGBTQ+ young people with experiences of self-harm and suicide," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(1), pages 1-26, January.
    3. Alex Abramovich, 2016. "Preventing, Reducing and Ending LGBTQ2S Youth Homelessness: The Need for Targeted Strategies," Social Inclusion, Cogitatio Press, vol. 4(4), pages 86-96.
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