Homeless Mentally ill in COVID Lockdown: Study from a Tertiary Care Center

Abstract

Abstract Objective: Homeless mentally ill is a vulnerable group and this vulnerability is amplified during the pandemic, especially during the lockdown phase. This study examines the demographic and clinical profile and outcome details of homeless attended in the psychiatry department during the lockdown. Materials and Methods: It is a retrospective study. Hospital records of all homeless who attended during the lockdown were examined for demographic, clinical, and rehabilitation details using a semistructured pro forma and descriptive analysis was performed. Results: A total of 23 records were found. Most referrals were due to wandering and disorganized behavior increases the risk of COVID transmission. The most common diagnosis was unspecified nonorganic psychosis. Nearly half of them could be rehabilitated. Conclusion: Recent pandemic augmented the problems of homeless mentally ill. There is an urgent need for the formulation of well-defined guidelines for this group to improve their well-being and care in such events and otherwise as well.