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“Under My Umbrella”: The housing experiences of HIV positive parents who live with and care for their children in Ontario

Archives of Women's Mental Health volume 13, pages 223–232 (2010)Cite this article

Abstract

Positive Spaces, Healthy Places (PSHP) is the first longitudinal community-based research (CBR) initiative in Canada to examine housing stability and its relationship to health related quality of life (HRQOL) for people living with of HIV/AIDS (PHAs). As part of our mixed method data collection strategy in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 50 PHAs across Ontario to provide a deeper understanding of the impact that housing instability has on their mental and physical health. Emerging from the qualitative interviews were the unique issues and concerns that were reported by parents who live with and care for their children. These parents face dire housing, economic and social challenges that are associated with significant risks for poor health outcomes. Poor housing conditions, unsafe neighborhoods, barriers to supports for themselves and their children, HIV related stigma, discrimination, racism, and poverty have been identified by these families as being among their most pressing concerns. This results in increased stress and anxiety that has a negative impact on the mental health of HIV positive parents. In order to more effectively support HIV positive parents and their children, health and social service practices and policies must respond to the unique challenges that face these families.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge the Canadian Institute for Health Research, the Ontario HIV Treatment Network, the Wellesley Institute, and the AIDS Bureau for funding this study. We would also like to acknowledge the support of the participating community based AIDS Service organizations for their in-kind support and contribution to the research. This research highly benefitted from the ongoing contributions of the peer research assistants who have provided the team with priceless knowledge and expertise. Finally, we would like to thank the participants of this research for sharing their experiences with us.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Social Work, McMasters University, Kenneth Taylor Hall, rm 327, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada

    Saara Greene, Ruthann Tucker, Sean B. Rourke, LaVerne Monette, Jay Koornstra, Michael Sobota, Steve Byers, Stephen Hwang, James Dunn, Dale Guenter, Amrita Ahluwalia & James Watson

Authors
  1. Saara Greene
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  2. Ruthann Tucker
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  3. Sean B. Rourke
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  4. LaVerne Monette
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  5. Jay Koornstra
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  6. Michael Sobota
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  7. Steve Byers
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  8. Stephen Hwang
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  9. James Dunn
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  10. Dale Guenter
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  11. Amrita Ahluwalia
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  12. James Watson
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Correspondence to Saara Greene.

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Greene, S., Tucker, R., Rourke, S.B. et al. “Under My Umbrella”: The housing experiences of HIV positive parents who live with and care for their children in Ontario. Arch Womens Ment Health 13, 223–232 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-009-0090-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-009-0090-5

Keywords

  • HIV
  • Families
  • Mothers
  • Housing instability
  • Mental health