The effect of using the library in Promotion Mental Health of Recovered Homeless Individuals with Addiction

Libraries are socio-cultural institutions that influence different groups of society. Vulnerable groups, such as drug addicts, are exposed to various diseases such as mental disorders. Along with drug treatments, psychological interventions such as book therapy (library use) play an effective role in improving their mental health. This research was conducted to determine the effect of library use on mental health improvement in homeless people who have recovered from addiction.

This is a cross-sectional study conducted in the Tolo centers of Tehran in 2019. The research population was 67 people who recovered from addiction and were living in Tolo centers. Data collection was performed with a self-report questionnaire. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were confirmed and Cronbach's alpha was 0.89.

The results of the present study revealed that the libraries of Tolo centers affect the mental health of the clients more than the emotional well-being of the clients. The effect of using Tolo library on "psychological well-being" was less than "moderate", and its effect on "emotional well-being" and "social well-being" was between "low and medium". Most of the participants were satisfied with the educational workshops and services provided by the library, but they were not satisfied with the "information resources" and "library space". The effectiveness of library services in the mental health of the clients was "moderate to low".

It is necessary to expand the role and position of libraries in improving the mental health of vulnerable people, especially drug addicts, through the promotion of information services and the recruitment of qualified employees in libraries.