Abstract
The purpose of this article was to review the current literature on subjective quality of life (SQOL) in individuals who are
homeless, with a focus on differences in SQOL (a) between homeless individuals and the general population, (b) based on housing
situation, and (c) associated with demographic characteristics (such as age and gender), physical and mental health, and external
variables such as service program type. A literature search was conducted of the online databases PubMed and PsycInfo for
relevant studies published from January 1981 to August 2011. Although this review showed that individuals who are homeless
tended to have lower levels of SQOL compared to the general population or housed individuals, it was also evident that our
current understanding of the relationships between SQOL and various demographic, health, and other variables is based on very
limited information. More information about the relationships between various characteristics and experiences of individuals
who are homeless and SQOL is clearly needed to aid researchers, service providers, and policy-makers in addressing the needs
of this population and examining the effectiveness of interventions to end homelessness and improve health among homeless
individuals.
homeless, with a focus on differences in SQOL (a) between homeless individuals and the general population, (b) based on housing
situation, and (c) associated with demographic characteristics (such as age and gender), physical and mental health, and external
variables such as service program type. A literature search was conducted of the online databases PubMed and PsycInfo for
relevant studies published from January 1981 to August 2011. Although this review showed that individuals who are homeless
tended to have lower levels of SQOL compared to the general population or housed individuals, it was also evident that our
current understanding of the relationships between SQOL and various demographic, health, and other variables is based on very
limited information. More information about the relationships between various characteristics and experiences of individuals
who are homeless and SQOL is clearly needed to aid researchers, service providers, and policy-makers in addressing the needs
of this population and examining the effectiveness of interventions to end homelessness and improve health among homeless
individuals.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-16
- DOI 10.1007/s11205-012-9998-7
- Authors
- Anita M. Hubley, Department of ECPS, University of British Columbia, 2125 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Lara B. Russell, Department of ECPS, University of British Columbia, 2125 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Anita Palepu, Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Studies, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of British Columbia, 620B-1081 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- Stephen W. Hwang, Centre for Research on Inner City Health, The Keenan Research Centre at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada
- Journal Social Indicators Research
- Online ISSN 1573-0921
- Print ISSN 0303-8300