Factors associated with mental well‐being of homeless people in Japan

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to determine the frequency of low mental well-being and associated factors among homeless people in Japan.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected through in-person interviews of 423 homeless persons living in two areas of Tokyo. Mental well-being was assessed using the Japanese version of the World Health OrganizationFive Well-being Index.Results: The overall sample comprised 392 (92.7%) men and 31 (7.3%) women. Average age was 60.6 ± 11.9 years. The mean score on the World Health Organization-Five Well-being Index for the 396 participants with no missing values was 11.81 ± 5.35. Based on a cut-off criterion of 12/13, the frequency of low mental well-being among the participants was 57.1%. In multiple logistic regression analyses, the subjective perception of poor health (odds ratio [OR] = 3.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.32-6.49), lack of perceived emotional social support (OR = 2.77, 95%CI = 1.70-4.49), dwelling without roof (OR = 2.70, 95%CI = 1.47-4.97), and pain (OR = 1.96, 95%CI = 1.12-3.42) were significantly associated with low mental well-being in this population. Conclusion:The findings suggest that comprehensive intervention programs that provide supportive housing, emotional social support, and health-care services, may be needed to improve the mental well-being of homeless people.

Social and health‐related factors associated with refraining from seeking dental care: A cross‐sectional population study

“…The following question was used to assess perceived instrumental social support: “Can you get help from someone/some people if you have practical problems or are ill?” The two social support measures used in this study are derived from a larger instrument of social support, originally developed by Undén and Orth‐Gomer . Similar questions have been used in earlier studies to measure social support, both in rural and urban populations …”

“…32 Similar questions have been used in earlier studies to measure social support, both in rural 33 and urban populations. 34,35 The question "Do you have any long-term illness, problems following an accident, any disability or other long-term health problem?" was used for information about long-term illness."…”

What Works to Improve the Well-Being of Homeless Girls?

“…That is, social support is significantly correlated with perceived subjective well-being [81]. For example, in Japan [82] it was found that lack of perceived emotional and instrumental social support is associated with mental well-being.…”

Multi-trajectory group profiles of well-being and associated predictors among adults experiencing homelessness and mental illness: findings from the At Home/Chez Soi study, Toronto site

“…Due to their complex economic, social, housing, and physical and mental health needs [ 7 ], people experiencing homelessness tend to have less positive subjective and objective well-being outcomes [ 8 , 9 ]. Few studies that have assessed multidimensional aspects of homeless people’s well-being mainly used cross-sectional [ 9 , 10 ] or qualitative study designs [ 11 ]. Quality of life, psychosocial distress and self-esteem are aspects that some authors have combined to construct an overall multi-dimensional well-being status [ 10 ].…”

“…Quality of life, psychosocial distress and self-esteem are aspects that some authors have combined to construct an overall multi-dimensional well-being status [ 10 ]. Other authors have used specific well-being indexes, such as the World Health Organization-Five Well-being Index [ 9 ]. Aspects such as food, income, housing, health, friendships, family, romantic relations, physical appearance, and life satisfaction have also been used and analyzed separately to capture specific well-being domains (material, social, and satisfaction domains) well-being of homeless populations [ 9 ].…”