Participation

The Hotel Study is a 10 year clinical study of individuals living on Vancouver’s downtown east side (DTES). This population has often been the subject of pejorative speculation, but resources are available for those who are able and willing to access them. The study explores the effect of living in this environment over a prolonged period while examining viral infection, drug use, and mental illness (primarily psychosis) over time.

We want to know if these people are the severe and persistently mentally ill, who have drifted into poverty and increasingly severe substance abuse, or are they marginalized members of society caught up in an epidemic of stimulant abuse, with episodes of psychosis maintained by continued ingestion of drugs?

Understanding the capabilities of people living with co-occurring illnesses through collecting data will help reveal any mismatch that exists between needs and existing services.

Study Process

Participants are followed on a monthly basis for the duration of the 10 yr study. A wide range of questionnaires are used to gather the necessary information.

The study uses 41 questionnaires that are asked on a monthly, bi annual or annual basis, and cover a range of topics from demographic history and social networking to drug use. MRI’s, neuro-cognitive assessments, blood work, and psychiatric assessments are completed on a yearly basis when possible, and if participants are eligible.

Some of these topics are briefly outlined below.

Demographic History

These questionnaires take a look at family history, childhood upbringing, education, and work experience. There are questions regarding how many moves an individual has made in their lives, while also covering what level of education their parents had. These questionnaires also give the researchers a first glimpse at any previous hospitalization for mental illness if applicable.

Social Network

These questionnaires look at frequency of social connections, and the importance of these interactions with others. Are relationships mutually beneficial, or do are relationships one way?

Drug Use

Drug use is investigated through a series of questionnaires that looks at frequency of use, amount used and type of drug. We look at alcohol use, drug use, and doctor prescribed drugs.

At baseline assessment, a substance use questionnaire is filled out that covers all drug use prior to study entry. Substances that have been tried are recorded as well as duration of use, be it only once or years.

Mental Health

A series of questionnaires are used to help determine mental health in study participants. Depression, psychosis, and personality disorders are just a small example of mental health disorders that these questionnaires start to address. Both the study research assistants and study psychiatrists use various questions and interview techniques to delve deeper into an individuals mental well-being.

Functioning

These questionnaires look at how well individuals of the downtown east side function within the community, and within society. The subsequent scores obtained from these questionnaires are assessed to allow comparison with other studies. Functioning scores are based on comparison with the average population, while keeping in mind the unique community that is being studied.

Life Experiences and Physical Health

Another aspect of the Hotel Study is looking at the trajectories of this population, and in part the history and life experiences of these individuals. Positive and Negative experiences play a huge role in both physical and mental health development, so questionnaires are used to highlight these experiences. We also look at prior, and current, physical health conditions. Medical history, access to health care and Weight Height Body Mass Index, is a portion of the study that helps researchers understand the physical consequences of living with drug addictions or mental health issues. Questions regarding trauma and childhood experiences, along with questionnaires focused on potential traumatic brain injuries round out this section.