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Loneliness among Homeless Individuals during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Franziska Bertram

    (Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 22529 Hamburg, Germany)

  • Fabian Heinrich

    (Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 22529 Hamburg, Germany)

  • Daniela Fröb

    (Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 22529 Hamburg, Germany)

  • Birgit Wulff

    (Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 22529 Hamburg, Germany)

  • Benjamin Ondruschka

    (Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 22529 Hamburg, Germany)

  • Klaus Püschel

    (Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 22529 Hamburg, Germany)

  • Hans-Helmut König

    (Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 22529 Hamburg, Germany)

  • André Hajek

    (Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 22529 Hamburg, Germany)

Abstract

The feeling of loneliness is a major public health concern associated with multiple somatic and psychiatric illnesses. Studies have shown increasing incidence of loneliness in the general population during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Homeless individuals are a particularly vulnerable group; however, little is known about loneliness among homeless individuals. We therefore aimed to examine the prevalence of loneliness among homeless individuals during the pandemic. Furthermore, we estimated the association between loneliness and sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, as well as the self-perceived risk of contracting COVID-19. Data from the Hamburg survey of homeless individuals were used, including 151 homeless individuals that were recruited in spring of 2020. Loneliness was measured by the 3- item version of the UCLA-3 Loneliness Scale. To summarize, 48.5% of the participants experienced loneliness. Multiple linear regressions showed increased loneliness to be associated with male gender (β = 1.07, p = 0.01), being single (β = 1.33, p = 0.00), originating from Germany (β = 1.48, p = 0.00), high frequency of sharing a sleeping space with more than three people (β = 0.42, p = 0.02) and a higher self-perceived risk of contracting COVID-19 (β = 0.41, p = 0.02). On the contrary, there was no association of loneliness with age, educational level, chronic alcohol consumption or frequently sharing a sleeping space. In conclusion, the magnitude of loneliness among homeless individuals during the pandemic was highlighted. Description of factors determining loneliness may help to identify homeless individuals at risk.

Suggested Citation

  • Franziska Bertram & Fabian Heinrich & Daniela Fröb & Birgit Wulff & Benjamin Ondruschka & Klaus Püschel & Hans-Helmut König & André Hajek, 2021. "Loneliness among Homeless Individuals during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-10, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:6:p:3035-:d:517661
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ami Rokach, 2005. "Private Lives in Public Places: Loneliness of the Homeless," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 72(1), pages 99-114, May.
    2. Hawkins, Robert Leibson & Abrams, Courtney, 2007. "Disappearing acts: The social networks of formerly homeless individuals with co-occurring disorders," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 65(10), pages 2031-2042, November.
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    1. Julia Corey & James Lyons & Austin O’Carroll & Richie Stafford & Jo-Hanna Ivers, 2022. "A Scoping Review of the Health Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Persons Experiencing Homelessness in North America and Europe," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-30, March.
    2. Katharina Dost & Fabian Heinrich & Wiebke Graf & Anna Brennecke & Veronika Kowalski & Anna Leider & Anika Kraus & Victoria van Rüth & Benjamin Ondruschka & Klaus Püschel & Hans-Helmut König & Franzisk, 2022. "Predictors of Loneliness among Homeless Individuals in Germany during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-11, October.
    3. Ariadna Munté-Pascual & Gisela Redondo-Sama & Irene De Vicente & Virginia Matulic, 2022. "You Are Not Alone : The (In)Visible Homeless and the Role of Social Workers and Related Professionals," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(16), pages 1-10, August.

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