Mixed-methods study of the feasibility and acceptability of ecological momentary assessment with young adults who are currently or formerly homeless (Preprint)

BACKGROUND The use of ecological momentary assessment (EMA) has been utilized with young people experiencing homelessness to gather information on contexts associated with homelessness and risk behavior in real time and has proven feasible with this population. However, the extent to which EMA may impact attitudes or behaviors of currently homeless and formerly young adults residing in supportive housing has not been well investigated. OBJECTIVE This study describes feedback regarding EMA study participation from currently and formerly homeless young adults and examines reactivity to EMA participation and compliance. METHODS This mixed-methods study uses cross-sectional data collected pre- and post-EMA, intensive longitudinal data from a seven-day EMA prompting period and focus groups with currently and formerly homeless young adults in Los Angeles, California between 2017 and 2019. RESULTS Qualitative data confirmed quantitative findings. Differences in the experience of EMA between currently and formerly homeless young adults were found related to stress/anxiety, interference with daily life, difficulty charging, behavior change, and honesty in response. Anxiety and depression symptomatology decreased from pre- to post-EMA, but compliance was not significantly associated with the decrease. CONCLUSIONS Results point to special considerations when administering EMA with currently and formerly homeless young adults. EMA appears to be slightly more burdensome for currently homeless young adults, compared to those residing in supportive housing; nuances to consider in study design. The lack of relationship between study compliance and symptomatology suggests low levels of reactivity.