Determinants of health-related quality of life among homeless individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: The ‘Hamburg survey of Homeless Individuals’ aimed to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of homeless individuals during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Data were taken from the ‘Hamburg survey of Homeless Individuals’ during the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 151). The established EQ-5D-5L was used to quantify problems in five health dimensions, and its visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) was used to record the self-rated health status. Sociodemographic factors were included in a regression analysis. Results & Discussion: Surprisingly, the results showed comparable HRQoL scores to those of the general population, despite the numerous challenges faced by homeless individuals. Potential explanations include adaptation to living conditions, selection bias, and the influence of alcohol consumption. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the need for more comprehensive and longitudinal studies to understand the factors affecting HRQoL in homeless populations. Additionally, effective preventive measures such as education, job promotion, and social housing programs are crucial in addressing homelessness and improving well-being of homeless people.