Community integration when moving on from permanent supportive housing.

AIMS: This study explored community integration within a Moving On initiative that assisted individuals with the transition from permanent supportive housing (PSH) to more independent housing without service requirements. METHODS: Participants completed baseline interviews while in PSH (n = 90) and, for those who moved on, a follow-up 1-year post-move (n = 45). Bivariate analyses and OLS regression were used to examine community integration outcomes and potential correlates. RESULTS: For participants who moved on, subjective social quality of life and sense of community were higher post-move, while physical integration decreased, and time spent at home increased. Gender, mastery, and housing quality were associated with community integration post-move. CONCLUSION: Moving On did not adversely impact most aspects of community integration, though PSH residents may need more support to facilitate participation in routine activities outside their home post-move. Findings also highlight the importance of supporting mastery given its potential role in community integration.

Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Longitudinal Trajectories of Community Integration After Burn Injury.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine potential racial/ethnic disparities in community integration for the 2 yrs after burn injury. DESIGN: A sample of 1773 adults with burn injury from the Burn Model Systems database was used with data on community integration collected at discharge (preinjury recall), 6, 12, and 24 mos after discharge. METHODS: Four sets of hierarchal linear models determined the most appropriate model for understanding racial/ethnic differences in Community Integration Questionnaire trajectories over time. RESULTS: Data indicated a decrease in community integration between discharge and 6 mos, a slight increase between 6 mos and 1 yr, and then a plateau between 1 and 2 yrs. White individuals had higher community integration score trajectories over time than black (b = 0.53, P < 0.001) and Hispanic (b = 0.58, P < 0.001) individuals, and community integration scores were similar between black and Hispanic individuals (b = -0.05, P = 0.788). These racial/ethnic disparities remained after accounting for age, sex, total burned surface area, number of days in rehabilitation, and active range of motion deficits. CONCLUSIONS: Additional rehabilitation resources should be targeted to helping black and Hispanic individuals integrate back into their communities after burn injury.

Urban American Indian Community Perspectives on Resources and Challenges for Youth Suicide Prevention.

American Indian (AI) youth have some of the highest rates of suicide of any group in the United States, and the majority of AI youth live in urban areas away from tribal communities. As such, understanding the resources available for suicide prevention among urban AI youth is critical, as is understanding the challenges involved in accessing such resources. Pre-existing interview data from 15 self-identified AI community members and staff from an Urban Indian Health Organization were examined to understand existing resources for urban AI youth suicide prevention, as well as related challenges. A thematic analysis was undertaken, resulting in three principal themes around suicide prevention: formal resources, informal resources, and community values and beliefs. Formal resources that meet the needs of AI youth were viewed as largely inaccessible or nonexistent, and youth were seen as more likely to seek help from informal sources. Community values of mutual support were thought to reinforce available informal supports. However, challenges arose in terms of the community's knowledge of and views on discussing suicide, as well as the perceived fit between community values and beliefs and formal prevention models.