Health Risks and Outcomes of Homelessness in School-Age Children and Youth: A Scoping Review of the Literature. (February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gultekin, Laura E.; Brush, Barbara L.; Ginier, Emily; Cordom, Alexandra; Dowdell, Elizabeth B.
• Is Part Of: Journal of school nursing. Volume 36:Number 1(2020:Feb.)
• Page Start: 10
• Page End: 18
• Publication Date: 2020-02
• Subjects: homeless -- school-age children -- homeless youth -- health outcomes -- school nurse; School health services -- Periodicals; School nursing -- Periodicals; 610.73
• DOI: 10.1177/1059840519875182
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1059-8405

Abstract

Despite reports that over 1.3 million school-age children (ages 5–18) were homeless in 2019, little is known about the effects of homelessness on their overall health and well-being. To better understand where gaps exist, a scoping review of the literature was conducted to identify studies of the physical, mental, and behavioral health risks and outcomes of school-age children experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Following the Joanna Briggs Institute framework and Preferred Reporting Items (PRISMA) guidelines, seven electronic databases were searched using key words: homelessness, children, health, and well-being. Of the 4, 372 records, 23 articles met inclusion criteria. Most examined mental health and high-risk activities or behavioral risks related to school achievement. Few studies tracked the long-term health outcomes of homeless school-age children. Findings have implications for school nurses who have contact with children experiencing homelessness and are in position to intervene to prevent negative health sequelae in this vulnerable population.