Homelessness in School-Age Children and Youth: A Scoping Review of the Literature

Authors

Gultekin, L.E., Brush, B.L., Ginier, E., Cordom, A., & Dowdell, E.B.

Type
Journal Article
Year published
2020
Journal
The Journal of School Nursing
Title

Homelessness in School-Age Children and Youth: A Scoping Review of the Literature

Volume and issue

36, 1

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.

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