Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine factors associated with social support in a rural, homeless population. Ninety-six (N= 96) individuals voluntarily agreed to participate in an evaluation examining effectiveness of enhanced substance use and mental health services provided to homeless individuals. The primary variables of interest were: demographics, substance use, mental and physical health, and social support. We used bivariate analyses to examine the sample using two different indicators of past-thirty-day social support: (1) family/friend social support [no support/support] and (2) self-help group social support [no support groups/support groups]. We used two multivariate logistic regressions to examine the relationships between explanatory variables (demographics, substance use, and health) and the dependent variable social supports (i.e., family/friend support and self-help group support). Significant predictors of receiving family/friend social support were education and nonreligious self-help group attendance. Factors significantly associated with self-help group attendance were marital status, education, anxiety, and family/friend support. Although strides have been taken to increase resources among homeless individuals, efforts should continue, including assessments to identify those efforts that are most effective.
Recommended Citation
Jackson, Afton, and Lisa Shannon. 2014. "Examining Social Support in a Rural Homeless Population." Journal of Rural Social Sciences, 29(1): Article 3. Available at: https://egrove.olemiss.edu/jrss/vol29/iss1/3
Publication Date
7-31-2014
