Risk factors in women experiencing homelessness from an ecological and intersectional perspective: A systematic review

Abstract

This study presents a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) systematic review of risk factors among women experiencing homelessness from an ecological and intersectional perspective. Twenty-one empirical studies were analyzed. The findings reveal four main dimensions of risk: (1) risk factors in interpersonal relationships; (2) risk factors associated with physical, mental, and emotional health; (3) risk factors related to access to housing, employment, and resources; and (4) risk factors linked to discrimination and intersectionality. The review highlights the interplay of individual, relational, and structural factors, underscoring the need for social work interventions and policies ensuring gender equality, housing access, and social protection.