Display options
Cite
Eyrich-Garg KM, O'Leary CC, Cottler LB. Subjective versus Objective Definitions of Homelessness: Are there Differences in Risk Factors among Heavy-Drinking Women?. Gender Issues. 2008;25(3):173-192doi: 10.1007/s12147-008-9057-5.
Eyrich-Garg, K. M., O'Leary, C. C., & Cottler, L. B. (2008). Subjective versus Objective Definitions of Homelessness: Are there Differences in Risk Factors among Heavy-Drinking Women?. Gender issues, 25(3), 173-192. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12147-008-9057-5
Eyrich-Garg, Karin M, et al. "Subjective versus Objective Definitions of Homelessness: Are there Differences in Risk Factors among Heavy-Drinking Women?." Gender issues vol. 25,3 (2008): 173-192. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12147-008-9057-5
Eyrich-Garg KM, O'Leary CC, Cottler LB. Subjective versus Objective Definitions of Homelessness: Are there Differences in Risk Factors among Heavy-Drinking Women?. Gender Issues. 2008 Sep 01;25(3):173-192. doi: 10.1007/s12147-008-9057-5. PMID: 20011677; PMCID: PMC2790196.
Copy Download .nbib Format: NLM
Share it on

Gender Issues. 2008 Sep 01;25(3):173-192. doi: 10.1007/s12147-008-9057-5.

Subjective versus Objective Definitions of Homelessness: Are there Differences in Risk Factors among Heavy-Drinking Women?.

Gender issues

Karin M Eyrich-Garg, Catina Callahan O'Leary, Linda B Cottler

Affiliations

  1. Temple University School of Social Administration, Department of Social Work.

PMID: 20011677 PMCID: PMC2790196 DOI: 10.1007/s12147-008-9057-5

Abstract

Investigations with homeless populations have focused on those living on the streets or in shelters; few have examined phenomena based on respondents' self-definitions as homeless or not. This investigation examined similarities and differences among risk factors (including mental health, substance abuse, religion/spirituality, social support, and risky sexual behaviors) using two definitions of homelessness: one where place of residence defined individuals as homeless (the `objective', or traditional, definition) and another where respondents defined themselves as homeless (the `subjective' definition). Data come from the baseline survey of the NIAAA-funded "Sister-to-Sister" study (n=339) of heavy-drinking women. Subjectively-defined homelessness was associated with higher rates of mental health and substance use disorders, lower rates of condom use, higher rates of trading sex for food, and less social support. Objectively-defined homelessness was associated with higher rates of drinking in abandoned buildings, on the streets, and in public restrooms, more new sexual partners, and higher rates of trading sex for heroin and speedballs. Investigations failing to ask for subjective information may misattribute some factors to homelessness which may overestimate the effect of various factors on homelessness. Investigators should ask respondents to define their homelessness, or they lose an important dimension of the concept of homelessness.

References

  1. Am J Public Health. 1998 Sep;88(9):1371-4 - PubMed
  2. Am J Orthopsychiatry. 1995 Jul;65(3):347-54 - PubMed
  3. Public Health Rep. 1998 Jun;113 Suppl 1:31-41 - PubMed
  4. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2000 Jan 1;57(3):203-9 - PubMed
  5. Am J Community Psychol. 2004 Mar;33(1-2):7-20 - PubMed
  6. Am J Community Psychol. 2002 Oct;30(5):711-30 - PubMed
  7. Am J Psychiatry. 1998 Jan;155(1):109-13 - PubMed
  8. Arch Intern Med. 2003 Nov 10;163(20):2492-9 - PubMed
  9. Drug Alcohol Depend. 1995 Apr;38(1):59-69; discussion 71-83 - PubMed
  10. Psychol Addict Behav. 2003 Mar;17(1):32-41 - PubMed
  11. AIDS Care. 2004 Jul;16(5):594-604 - PubMed
  12. Crim Behav Ment Health. 2005;15(4):236-48 - PubMed
  13. Am J Public Health. 1997 May;87(5):854-6 - PubMed
  14. J Stud Alcohol. 1995 Jul;56(4):423-32 - PubMed
  15. Am J Public Health. 2004 Jan;94(1):103-8 - PubMed

Publication Types

Grant support