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 Organization-Five 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.

Keywords: health‐care services; homeless people; mental well‐being; social support; supportive housing.