Research Assistant: A Screening Tool for the Triple Risk of Youth Experiencing Homelessness, Mental Health Issues, and Substance Use

Introduction to the topic:

Youth homelessness is a pressing issue in many high-income countries, including Denmark.

Young people experiencing homelessness (YEH) often face the dual challenges of substance use and adverse mental health conditions, commonly referred to as “dual diagnosis.” This group is also at higher risk for marginalization, long-term homelessness, poverty, and worsening mental and physical health.

Despite these concerns, the connections between homelessness, mental illness, and substance use remain under-researched. Additionally, clinicians and counselors often struggle to screen, identify, and effectively support youth dealing with this “tri-morbidity” – homelessness alongside substance use and mental health challenges.

Project details:

The goal of this study is to develop a practical screening tool for use in homeless services in Copenhagen. This tool will be designed to capture the specific contexts, conditions, and needs of YEH in the city. We will collaborate closely with street nurses and homeless service providers to create a tool tailored to the unique challenges faced by YEH. The tool aims to help improve early identification and intervention, ultimately enhancing access to care and support for vulnerable youth. As part of this research, we will collect data on their mental health symptoms, substance use, and the lived experiences of both YEH and youth at risk of homelessness.

The research project spans multiple years, with distinct research tasks segmented across four semesters/stages. It is a collaborative and progressive endeavor, from research methodology to research dissemination. All Research Assistants (RAs) will conduct literature reviews, gain comprehensive exposure to the topic, develop both qualitative and quantitative research skills, and engage in initial data analysis. This will equip students with valuable skills for graduate studies in public health and future careers in research and academia.

The best-suited Research Assistants will be those who approach the work with empathy, openness, and respect for young people experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges, and the expertise of street nurses. This research is not solely an academic endeavor but an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the field. RAs should be ready to engage collaboratively and learn from those working directly with this population.

Selected relevant publications:

Dawson-Rose, C., Shehadeh, D., Hao, J., Barnard, J., Khoddam-Khorasani, L. L., Leonard, A., Clark, K., Kersey, E., Mousseau, H., Frank, J., Miller, A., Carrico, A., Schustack, A., & Cuca, Y. P. (2020). Trauma, substance use, and mental health symptoms in transitional age youth experiencing homelessness. Public Health Nursing, 37(3), 363–370. https://doi.org/10.1111/phn.12727
Green, B., Kim, F. L., & Dean, D., Jr. (2020). Substance use and treatment among youth experiencing homelessness: 1992–2017. Journal of Adolescent Health, 67(6), 786–792. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.04.019
Player, E., Clark, E., Gure-Klinke, H., Walker, J., & Steel, N. (2020). A case study of tri-morbidity. Journal of Public Mental Health, 19(3), 213–219. https://doi.org/10.1108/JPMH-05-2020-0047

Additional research application required

You will need to submit an additional research application through Student Registration in order to enroll in this course.

To submit your research application, you must already be admitted to DIS.

All research application materials must be submitted on the following dates by 23:59 Central European Time:

November 1 for spring semester applicants
May 1 for fall semester applicants

Complete your additional research application through Student Registration.

If you are not already enrolled, use this link to apply to DIS before completing a research application.

Syllabus

The syllabus for this course is currently under development. It will be available here soon.

Faculty

Priyanka Ranganath

Faculty

PhD. from Center for Drug and Alcohol Research, Aarhus University, 2022. Masters in Comparative Social Change, Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin, 2018. Masters in International Business, Monash University, Melbourne, 2008. Development and Research Associate at G.L.OB.A.L. Justice, Colorado in 2019. Marketing Coordinator, Yooralla, Melbourne, 2016-2017. Marketing and Communications Coordinator at OzChild Children Australia Inc., Melbourne, 2012-2014. Marketing Coordinator at Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, 2010-2012. With DIS since, 2022.

Research Assistantship FAQ

Learn more about research at DIS.

: Earning authorship within the course of a semester is challenging. Exceptional Research Assistants may be considered for co-authorship, subject to evaluation from the supervising Research Mentor.

Though you may not ultimately become an author on a published paper, you will gain many practical skills and insights into the publication process.

: Many research projects last across several semesters, so not all RAs on the same project will conduct the same research.

: On average, students in 3-credit Research Assistantships spend at least 10 hours a week on research tasks. These 10 hours per week consist of a variety of different research-related tasks, including conducting a literature review, data collection, analyses, coding, documentation, and meetings with your mentor. You may decide on a particular block of time (consistent each week) for you to carry out the work, or adjust it on a week-by-week basis.

Students in a 6-credit Research Assistantships spend an average of 20 hours per week with lab and clinically based research tasks. You decide the exact meeting and lab times with your supervisor, but your schedule consists of classes at DIS two days a week, with two days a week in the lab.

There may be peak times in the research process where all Research Assistant students are expected to spend a few more hours, and then possibly fewer hours another week – to reflect the individual research project and process.

: Work for the 3-credit Research Assistantships may take place outside DIS, on your own time at a location of your choosing, or at DIS – this varies from project to project. The 6-credit research assistantships generally take place at labs in Copenhagen or Stockholm outside DIS.

: Students with a variety of academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the 3-credit Research Assistant course. While some courses do have prerequisites, many opportunities do not require prior research experience.

The 6-credit Research Assistant opportunity is designed for highly motivated students who have a strong science background within the field of interest and some basic research experience. The student must be willing to commit a large portion of their semester to an engaging opportunity involving hands-on research in universities and medical institutes in Copenhagen or Stockholm.

Introduction to the topic:

Project details:

Additional research application required

Syllabus

The syllabus for this course is currently under development. It will be available here soon.

Faculty

Priyanka Ranganath

Research Assistantship FAQ

Will I publish a research paper?

What exactly will I do?

What is the time commitment for a 3-credit or 6-credit Research Assistantship?

Where is the research work carried out?

What type of student applies for the 3- and 6-credit Research Assistant courses?