Reasons and Challenges Leading to Unstable Housing Conditions: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study in Japan in 2023

Background and Objectives: Homelessness among youth, women, and families exists in various countries. In Japan, there has been an increase in youth, women, and family homelessness experiencing unstable housing conditions. However, data on the reasons and challenges behind their instability are lacking. This study aimed to specifically examine the characteristics and trends of youth and women.

Methods: Self-administered questionnaires were distributed through homeless support facilities in Japan to individuals who had experienced housing difficulties. Data regarding basic demographics, lifestyle, employment, housing, and health were collected. Chi-square test was used for age and gender comparisons, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparing health statuses.

Results: A total of 165 cases were analyzed, including 98 males (59.4%) and 58 females (35.2%), with a mean age of 52.72 years (SD15.7). Marital status indicated 83 unmarried individuals (50.3%) and 92 living alone (55.8%). Currently, 101 individuals (61.2%) resided in welfare facilities, while 39 (38.2%) were employed. Among those, 74 males (79.6%) and 36 females (62.1%) were receiving livelihood protection, with males significantly higher (P=0.024). Women held a more negative impression of livelihood protection compared to men.Fifteen males (16.7%) and 31 females (54.4%) experienced unstable housing due to family issues or domestic violence, with females significantly higher (p<0.001). Reasons for unstable housing due to family issues were significantly higher among youth compared to middle-aged and elderly individuals.Regarding support, 49 males (51.0%) and 37 females (61.4%) relied on someone, with females significantly higher. Females also had significantly more frequent interactions with family, friends, and others compared to males.Regarding mental health, 104 individuals (63.0%) reported anxiety, 95 (57.6%) reported tension, and 101 (61.3%) reported depression. Males had significantly better mental health than females (N=93, mean rank: 84.37 vs. N=56, mean rank: 59.44). Youth showed significantly more negative tendencies in mental health compared to middle-aged and elderly individuals.There were no significant differences in mental health based on employment status, livelihood protection, or living alone vs. living with two or more people. The group relying on someone (N=86, mean rank: 83.98) had significantly better mental health than the group without someone to rely on (N=68, mean rank: 69.31).

Discussion: Separation from family was particularly observed among youth and women experiencing unstable housing conditions. Youth and women were more likely to lose stable housing due to personal factors such as family relationships rather than structural factors like unemployment or rent. Additionally, youth and women tended to have more negative mental health outcomes compared to men, indicating a significant mental burden associated with unstable housing. The presence of someone to rely on appeared to contribute to better mental well-being for those experiencing unstable housing.