Dissertation
Assessing Depression in a Homeless Youth Through a Trauma-Informed Care Lens
University of Iowa
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
Spring 2025
Abstract
Background: Homelessness is a significant issue that leads to poorer health outcomes in the United States. Youth facing housing insecurity are especially vulnerable to depression and are twice as likely to develop the disorder compared to their housed peers. Early mental health screenings and trauma-informed care approaches were identified in the evidence as effective interventions to connect these individuals to mental health care. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to identify homeless youth at risk for mental illness in the community. The objectives of the project included improving staff member knowledge of trauma-informed care (TIC), accurately screening youth for depression, and referring to a mental health therapist when necessary. Methods: This quality improvement project took place at a midwestern homeless youth center and was implemented using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) Cycle. TIC education from the Understanding Trauma and Its Impact training module provided by the National Center for Safe and Supportive Learning Environments was presented to staff members. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) screenings were incorporated into admission intake paperwork to assess for the presence and severity of depressive symptoms. Results of the PHQ-9 screenings and mental health therapy referrals were collected and transferred into Excel for data analysis. Findings: All fourteen staff members participated in the TIC education presentation and surveys. Staff member TIC knowledge improved by 26.1%, comparing pre-education to post-education results. Compared to pre-education, fifty-two PHQ-9 screenings were completed throughout the project. Of those who screened positive, 77.7% were referred to a mental health therapist on-site or through community resources. Discussion: This project has highlighted the fact that there is a major concern with depression among homeless youth, and that early mental health screenings and trauma-informed care are effective when utilized in a community setting. This process facilitated referrals for individuals who may not have sought help otherwise, demonstrating clinical significance.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Assessing Depression in a Homeless Youth Through a Trauma-Informed Care Lens
- Creators
- Katerina Francke - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Emily Sinnwell (Chair) - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Project Type
- Poster
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Date degree season
- Spring 2025
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 1 page
- Copyright
- Copyright 2025 Katerina Francke
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Nursing; Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects
- Record Identifier
- 9984841526302771
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