The capacity to give informed consent in a homeless population with developmental disabilities

This study examined homeless persons with developmental disabilities and their ability to understand the informed consent process for research using a capacity-to-consent screener. Bivariate associations with the inability to pass the screener on the first attempt were noted with three factors: an eighth grade or less in education, chronic homelessness, and mental retardation diagnosis. With multiple regression, the only outcome associated with inability to pass the screener on the first attempt was an eighth grade or less education. This study indicates the need for consideration of developmental disabilities when homeless and mental health providers are working with the homeless community.