Factors determining the quality of life of homeless people staying in support centers for people in the crisis of homelessness. Pilot study

Abstract

Background The aim of the study was to discuss the issues of the homelessness crisis and to present the assessment of the quality of life of people experiencing a homelessness crisis, taking into account various aspects of life and everyday functioning. Methods This was a pilot cross- sectional study carried out using an anonymous survey. The author’s questionnaire, the WHOQOL-Bref scale and the Beck depression scale were used. From among the support centers for people in the homelessness crisis operating in the city of Poznań, the 2 largest centers were selected. The obtained results were based on the statistical analysis of the collected data. Results The study group consisted only of people in the crisis of homelessness staying at the support centers at the time of the study. The analysis included data from 114 people, including 28 (24.6%) women. The youngest participant was 21 and the oldest 76 years old. The average period of homelessness was 86 months. 55.3% of respondents showed symptoms of depression. The main cause of homelessness was their family situation (59.6%), financial problems (36.0%) and the need to leave the apartment (13.2%). Abuse of alcohol before the homelessness crisis was reported by 96 (84.2%) respondents. The WHOQOL– Bref questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life. The psychological domain was rated the highest (62.09 ± 16.94 points, the lowest somatic domain (53.25 ± 18.71 points). The quality of life of homeless people was positively related to their economic situation, depression and health status. It was shown that sex, age and education had no influence (p > 0.05) on the assessment of the quality of life of people experiencing the crisis of homelessness. Conclusions The economic situation is the main factor affecting the quality of life within the psychological and social domain. Health status is the main factor affecting the quality of life within the somatic and environmental domain. The biggest dream of the respondents was to have a flat and improve their financial situation.