Factors associated with homelessness among women: a cross-sectional survey of outpatient mental health service users at The Banyan, India

Background: Homelessness has multifaceted and damaging effects on women with mental illness. This makes it imperative to identify and address the factors leading to homelessness among women with mental illness in order to inform policy on providing relevant services for this vulnerable population.

Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 346 women in active contact with one of four outpatient clinics at The Banyan, a non-profit organization in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. A semi-structured instrument and modified version of the List of Threatening Experiences Questionnaire was used for data collection. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine predictive variables for homelessness among women with mental illness.

Result: 32.65% of participants reported a history of homelessness. Less than 5 years of schooling (OR = 2.914, 95% CI = 1.027-8.269, P < 0.05) and disrupted relationships (OR = 1.807, 95% CI = 1.23-2.655, P < 0.01) were associated with a greater likelihood of women with mental illness to experience homelessness.

Conclusion: In the study cohort, this was explained mainly by factors rooted in gender-based disadvantage. Further practice and research are needed to develop interventions that address issues with a sociological basis to mental illness and prevent these predictive factors.