How Does Living in a Homeless Hostel Impact on Residents Lived Experience of Health and Wellbeing: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Living in a homeless hostel can be challenging. This global scoping review explored the impact of living in a homeless hostel on residents lived experience of health and wellbeing. A systematic process was followed using Arksey and O’Malley framework for scoping reviews with the addition of the PRISMA-ScR checklist. In total, 1094 articles were identified through database searches and a thesis search on Google Scholar. Screening of title/abstract and then full text, according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulted in 40 papers being included in the review. Twenty-two were carried out in the United Kingdom (UK), nine in the United States (US), four in Australia, two in Canada, one in South Africa, one in Iran and one study had a worldwide focus. The findings identify difficulties in accessing care along with incidences of discrimination, being dismissed, disrespected and other experiences of stigmatic encounters. Survival tactics and coping strategies like drug and alcohol use were employed. A lack of stability and routine added to the challenges of living in that environment. The hostel itself and the experience of homelessness were found to impact on health and well-being. This review demonstrates a picture of disadvantage, discrimination and increased disease within the populations who reside in homeless hostels. More research is needed on lived experiences of those residing in homeless hostels to understand their experiences and inform the creation of environments more conducive to good health and wellbeing.