City Research Online

Abstract

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning plus (LGBTQ+) youth and to identify their support and care requirements.

BACKGROUND: LGBTQ+ youth face many health and societal challenges including issues related to homelessness.

DESIGN: A systematic review of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods studies.

METHODS: A search of relevant electronic databases was carried out and included the dates August 2008-August 2018 and limited to academic journals and peer-reviewed empirical studies written in English. Included studies specifically addressed the homeless experiences of youth aged 13-24 years old who identified as LGBTQ+. The PRISMA checklist was used in the review. A quality assessment instrument was used to review all of the selected papers and narrative methods utilised in the synthesis of the research evidence.

RESULTS: The search resulted in 319 papers, and after applying distinct inclusion criteria, a total of 14 papers were considered suitable for the systematic review. Following analysis, the four main themes identified were stigma, discrimination and exclusion; mental health issues and substance use; sexual risks and vulnerability; and interventions and supports.

CONCLUSION: LGBTQ+ homeless youth is a major public health concern that has significant consequences for a young person's physical and psychosocial well-being.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Practitioners need to be aware of the specific health and support requirements of LGBTQ+ youth in relation to homelessness. Inclusive and holistic care plans should exist that are fully responsive to the distinct needs of this group guided by definitive policies and sound clinical research. The implications for future nursing practice are presented and discussed.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: McCann, E, Brown, M. Homelessness among youth who identify as LGBTQ+: A systematic review. J Clin Nurs. 2019; 28: 2061– 2072. , which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.14818. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. This article may not be enhanced, enriched or otherwise transformed into a derivative work, without express permission from Wiley or by statutory rights under applicable legislation. Copyright notices must not be removed, obscured or modified. The article must be linked to Wiley’s version of record on Wiley Online Library and any embedding, framing or otherwise making available the article or pages thereof by third parties from platforms, services and websites other than Wiley Online Library must be prohibited.
Publisher Keywords:	Homelessness; literature review; youth; LGBTQ; health risks; social exclusion; nursing practice
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HM Sociology H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Nursing

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