Changes in quality of life since entering the social relief system: The personal perspective of homeless people in a multi-site cohort study

Objective: Homeless people generally experience a lower quality of life compared to the general population. The aim of the Strategy Plan for Social Relief in the four major cities of the Netherlands (G4; Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht) is to prevent and reduce homelessness and to improve the quality of life of homeless people. At the request of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport we are conducting a cohort study in the G4 to explore the personal needs and goals of homeless people and their quality of life. The present study is part of this cohort study and aims to: (1) describe changes in quality of life of homeless people (2) examine predictors of quality of life 1,5 years after entering the social relief system.

Methods: This cohort study follows 513 homeless persons for 2,5 years by interviewing them four times from the moment they reported themselves at one of the central access points for social relief in the G4. Results come from the first three interviews (n = 344; 67% response) during a period of 1,5 years. Validated questionnaires were used to measure quality of life and predictors thereof, including economic resources, psychological and physical health, social support and experiences with care. Repeated measures ANOVA’s and multiple linear regression analyses are conducted to examine changes in quality of life and predictors thereof.

Results: Preliminary results show that quality of life of homeless people improves during the first 1,5 years after entering the social relief system on several life domains including housing, finances and social relations. Predictors of quality of life will be presented. Practical implications will be discussed.