Risk of mental ill-health among homeless women in Madrid (Spain)

Abstract

Several studies have revealed that homeless people suffering from mental health problems are more vulnerable than homeless without those mental health problems. Nevertheless, there is a lack of evidence describing the real circumstances of homeless women. This paper explores the differences between homeless women at high risk of mental ill-health compared with those who do not present this risk. The sample consisted of a group of 120 homeless women in Madrid (Spain). For this study, we collected data on background information (trajectory of homelessness and stressful life events experienced) and current aspects (living conditions, physical health, and social support). The risk of mental ill-health has been measured by the short version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). The results showed that homeless women with higher risk of mental ill-health had become homeless at a younger age, had experienced more stressful life events in their lives, had a poorer physical health, felt less happy, had less social support, and a greater feeling of loneliness when compared with homeless women who did not present risk of mental ill-health. Improving knowledge about the risk of mental ill-health among homeless women is essential for the design of specific psychological interventions within this population.