Rehabilitation Potential Among Institutionalised Homeless Persons with Mental Illness during COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Aim: To assess the rehabilitation potential and social well-being among homeless persons with mental illness. Methods: The study utilised quantitative methodology to assess rehabilitation potential and social well-being. It was conducted at Udayam Shelter Home, Kozhikode, Kerala. The district administration initiated the Udayam Project in Kozhikode to rehabilitate destitute individuals rescued from the streets during the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in March 2020 and to provide shelter across various camps in the district. The researcher prepared a rehabilitation potential checklist, validated by experts, and a standardised scale was used to assess social well-being. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative data analysis. Ethical clearance was obtained from the NIMHANS Institute's ethics committee. Results: Over one-third (40%) of the participants were older adults aged above 60 years. All the participants in the study were male. The homeless women identified as needing care and protection were shifted to other centres due to the lack of facilities at the Udayam shelter care home. Previous occupational status revealed that before coming to the rehabilitation centre, most respondents were employed as unskilled labourers. They included daily wagers, lottery sellers, and helpers in hotels and restaurants. Others were skilled labourers, including masons, carpenters, and electricians. Most respondents were from urban and semi-urban areas. Homeless persons with mental illness (HPMI) with mood disorders exhibited better social well-being compared to those with other diagnoses. HPMI diagnosed with psychosis were reported to have very little social actualisation compared to others.