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Risk factors for homelessness among schizophrenic men: a case-control study
C L Caton1, P E Shrout, P F Eagle
1Department of Psychiatry and School of Public Health, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032.
American Journal of Public Health
|February 1, 1994
Summary
Severely mentally ill men with schizophrenia who experienced homelessness had more severe illness symptoms, poorer family backgrounds, and less consistent mental health care. These factors are crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Social Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Homelessness is a significant issue among individuals with severe mental illness.
- Understanding risk factors is crucial for effective prevention and intervention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific risk factors associated with homelessness in men diagnosed with schizophrenia.
- To compare individuals experiencing homelessness with those who are not, focusing on illness severity, family history, and service utilization.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted with 100 homeless and 100 never-homeless indigent men with schizophrenia.
- Data were collected through clinical interviews using standardized instruments assessing mental illness severity, family background, and mental health service use.
Main Results:
- Homeless individuals exhibited higher levels of positive symptoms, increased rates of drug abuse, and antisocial personality disorder.
- Greater family disorganization and less family support were reported by homeless subjects.
- Fewer homeless individuals had a long-term therapist compared to the non-homeless group.
Conclusions:
- Homelessness in men with schizophrenia is linked to distinct patterns in family background, illness characteristics, and service utilization.
- Findings highlight the need for integrated policies and programs addressing the complex needs of severely mentally ill populations.