Abstract
ABSTRACTHomelessness adversely affects an individual's ability to access healthcare, opportunities for social interaction and recreational activities such as physical activity. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a community-based physical activity and peer support intervention on the health and wellbeing of homeless participants. This study employed semi-structured interviews to investigate the perceived impact of the Street Fit Scotland intervention on the health and wellbeing of 10 homeless adults. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis was conducted. Participants reported that their health and wellbeing had improved since attending the intervention. This was attributed to improvements in self-esteem, social interaction and mental wellbeing. Participants generally felt that their physical activity had increased since attending Street Fit Scotland, and a number of individuals reported that they were making healthier choices with regards to health behaviors. A theory of change logic model was developed that demonstrated how each component of the intervention influences the observed and intended outcomes. Attendance of Street Fit Scotland had positive effects on participant's health and wellbeing, particularly concerning self-esteem, health behaviors, social interaction, and physical activity. More efforts should be made to evaluate small-scale interventions that are reaching vulnerable population groups.
Highlights
Homelessness is a global problem, and while obtaining an accurate estimate is difficult, a reported 216 million people are homeless worldwide (Tipple & Speak, 2009)
A number of the findings map onto the questions presented in the interview topic guide, while others were newly emerging categories from the dataset identified during thematic analysis
This evaluation has demonstrated that participation in Street Fit Scotland (SFS) had a positive influence on people affected by homelessness through the removal of barriers to access physical activity and engage in peer support
Summary
Homelessness is a global problem, and while obtaining an accurate estimate is difficult, a reported 216 million people are homeless worldwide (Tipple & Speak, 2009). People experiencing homelessness are confronted with significant barriers regarding access to basic healthcare (Bernstein et al, 2015; Randers et al, 2012). Such barriers add to a healthcare burden for which the prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases is already disproportionate to levels observed in the general population, especially with regards to mental illness (Irwin, LaGory, Ritchey, & Fitzpatrick, 2008; John & Law, 2011)
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