Analyzing Homelessness Impact on Health of Single Adults in London

This report investigates the impact of homelessness on the health of single adults in London. It begins with an abstract summarizing the study's aim to analyze the experiences of single homeless adults and its use of literature review to identify factors and recommend solutions. The report includes an introduction providing background on London's housing market, which contributes to homelessness, and highlights the adverse health effects and inequalities faced by homeless individuals. The methodology section describes the study design, literature search strategy, and ethical considerations. The literature review, findings, and discussion section analyzes the findings from multiple sources, including government reports and journal articles, discussing the socioeconomic factors, employment, physical and mental health impacts, and existing strategies. The conclusion summarizes the findings, offers recommendations, and reflects on the methodology. The report emphasizes the need for collaborative practices to support homeless people and highlights the significant health challenges they face.

The Impact of Homelessness on the Health of Single Adults in
London
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Impact of Homelessness on the Health of Single Adults in London 2
Abstract
There are vast evidences on the issue of homelessness in single adults however the data is limited
about the real time experiences of homeless people. This research analyzes the experiences of the
single homeless adults. The study conducts literature review of reliable sources of information to
find the answer to the research question. The review implies that there is increasing need to develop
collaborative practices to support the homeless people.
The aim of the study is to analyze the impact of homelessness on the health of single adults in
London. The study produces significant statistics from wide sources of government and social
service organisations to presents the most recent information about the prevalent condition of
homeless people. The study illustrates all the aspects on this topic including the socio economic
factors, employment, education, physical and mental health, skeletal and neurological impact and
the legal provisions to support the homeless adults in London.
Homelessness has adversely affected the health, causing serious levels of stress in people. It causes
ill health conditions. For instance, the ill health may lead to relationship breakdown or the loss of
job which may trigger homelessness. It is observed that the health of homeless people is poorer than
the general people.
The project uses literature review to find the answer to the research question, to identify the
association between different factors and to recommend potential solutions to the problem.

Impact of Homelessness on the Health of Single Adults in London 3
TABLE OF CONTENT
ACKNOWLEDGMENT ......................................................................................4
1. INTRODUCTION............................................................................................4
1.1 Background .....................................................................................................4
1.2 Rationale..........................................................................................................4
1.3 Overall Aim.....................................................................................................4
1.4 Objectives of the study....................................................................................5
2. METHODOLOGY.........................................................................................6
2.1 Introduction.....................................................................................................6
2.2 Study Design...................................................................................................7
2.3 Literature Search Strategy...............................................................................7
2.4 Ethical Considerations......................................................................................7
2.5 Summary...........................................................................................................8
3. LITERATURE REVIEW, FINDINGS & DISCUSSION
3.1 Introduction .....................................................................................................9
3.2 Findings & Discussion.......................................................................................9
3.3 Impact of Methodological Approach................................................................10
3.4 Summary...........................................................................................................10
4. CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS
4.1 Brief Summary of Findings.................................................................................12
4.2 Conclusion...........................................................................................................13
4.3 Recommendations...............................................................................................13
4.4 Critical Reflection of Methodology....................................................................14

Impact of Homelessness on the Health of Single Adults in London 4
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I wish to thank Mr.............................................., for providing me an opportunity to do this research
project over the topic “Impact of Homelessness on the health of Single Adults in London”.
I sincerely express my gratitude to Mr.......................................... for their encouragement and
guidance in completing this research. I am extremely thankful for the other staff members who
helped me in by offering their valuable opinion about the topic and research methodology.
Without your healp and support this project would not be possible to accomplish.

Impact of Homelessness on the Health of Single Adults in London 5
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
London has a culture of sharp inequalities and contrasts. The expensive housing market of London
primarily contributes to disadvantage and poverty. According to Poverty Profile of London, the
main issues are: extremely high cost of property in London in both buying and renting, shortage of
new affordable houses, overcrowding and higher possessions by the landlords than in other parts in
England.
The high cost of housing is making the experience of homelessness quite randomly distributed in
the population. Around 21% of the people of 18 to 44 years of age agree that they delay planning a
family due to lack of affordable housing in London. About 28% of people have reduced the money
they spend on foods to pay off their cost of housing. Around 12% of the people report that high cost
of housing influence their ability to move for work. Such results show that the high cost of housing
is responsible for the homelessness and influences the way of living. The average cost of property
in London is 473,822 dollars. Assuming the initial deposit of 26%, and loan amount of thrice the
salary, somebody in England should earn a minimum amount of 303,074 dollars. Since April 2018,
there has been an increase in house price by 0.1% (Lenge, 2018).
The homelessness has adversely affected the health, causing serious levels of stress in people. It
cause ill health conditions. For instance the ill health may lead to relationship breakdown or the loss
of job which may trigger homelessness. It is observed that the health of homeless people is poorer
than the general people. They suffer from several health inequalities. The longer the time of
homelessness, the more the person is vulnerable to high risk factors of ill health. According to ONS
statistics, the average age of death among homeless people is 32 years less than the general people.

Impact of Homelessness on the Health of Single Adults in London 6
According to a survey, one in every 200 people in London is homeless. The research explores
various factors affecting the homelessness in single adults in UK and its impact on their health.
1.2 Rationale
The purpose of this writing is to elaborate different perspectives of homelessness in the single adult
populations and the various factors leading to homelessness in their life. The paper also explores the
impact of this phenomenon on the health of homeless people comparing it with the general
populations. The scope of this paper relies till the single adults of London. The study includes the
populations aged 18 to 45 years of age living in London. The paper investigates the literature
review from 2011 to 2019.
1.3 Overall Aim
The study aims to explore the impact of helplessness on the health of single adults in London. The
number of homeless people has significantly increased from 2007 to 2019, which raises a serious
burden of preventable health illness on the healthcare system of UK.
Therefore it requires intense study to identify the factors responsible for homelessness and to frame
the strategies to improve the condition. The research will help the healthcare professionals in
understanding the primary association of homelessness and related aspects. The paper will address
the situation through detailed literature review of earlier researches and journals written on this
topic.
1.4 Objective of Study
 The study performs secondary research to analyze the factors responsible for homelessness
in single adults in London.
 The study highlights the developing trends which would most likely affect the homeless
people across London.
 The study finds association between different factors affecting the health and welfare of
homeless adults in London.
 The study evaluates the existing strategies implemented by the government and non-
governmental organisations in this regard in London
 The study would recommend possible solutions to improve the condition.

Impact of Homelessness on the Health of Single Adults in London 7
CHAPTER 2: METHODOLOGY
2.1 Introduction
The research involved extensive integrated evidence based review of primary and secondary
literatures to access, identify, and appraise the content related to topic. A qualitative evidence based
research was performed for the collected information. The government research reports, journal
articles, government policy documents and the research publications from authentic organisations
along with grey literature were used as sources of information. The study collected the data from
these academic sources to form evidence for the research.
2.2 Study Design
The study involved extensive research of related documents on the topic to collect evidences over
the problem and to explore the in depth analysis of facts and figures. The study did not involve any
personal meetings or interviews with the subjects for any organisation. Therefore there was no need
to avail informed consent. The databases CINAHL, PubMed, and Cochrane were searched along
with grey literature through Google search to collect the data using keyword search and Boolean
algebra. All the factors affecting the homelessness among single adults were explored to involve
wide range of resources from London. The literature from 2013 to 2019 was only included in the
study.
The database search retrieved 165 articles. After screening of the abstract and titles, 110 articles
were eliminated due to multiple reasons. They were not published by valid peer reviewed sources of
information. Few were inadequate in exploring the problem effectively. Few of them were not
focused on the topic ‘homelessness for single adults’ in London. This validation and thorough

Impact of Homelessness on the Health of Single Adults in London 8
evaluation of full text resulted in just 6 eligible articles and were included in the final evidence
based review.
2.3 Literature Search Strategy
The search strategy involved the keywords like “Homeless”, “London”,”Heath”,” Single Adults”,
“Homelessness” using AND, OR Boolean operands. The literature search was confined only to the
London while the other cities were excluded from the study. The content published only in English
language was included in the study to avoid unnecessary translation costs. The study involved the
adults aged 18 years or more living alone in London in rented accommodations or other places.
People aged less than 18 years were excluded from the study. The single adults involved the adults
who are college students, bachelors, divorced, widow, old age single adults, refugees, LGBT,
people from minor ethic groups and asylums.
2.4 Ethical Considerations
This review was evidence based literature review so did not involve any ethical consultations or
informed consent for the participants. The subjects were not met individually to collect their
responses. All the data was collected only through literature published between 2013 and 2019.
2.5 Summary
The study involves evidence based exploration and analysis of reliable sources of information from
London. The research will help the organisations and government bodies to bring strategic changes
in policies and regulations for the homeless single adults living in London.

Impact of Homelessness on the Health of Single Adults in London 9
CHAPTER 3: LITERATURE REVIEW, FINDINGS & DISCUSSION
3.1 Introduction
According to a survey by YouGove and Shelter, the people in London cut back the cost of essential
food and clothes to pay the housing cost (Dix, 2016, p.7). There has been an increase in people
living in rented houses. As per the reports of Resolution Foundation in 2016, the ownership of
homes in London is 63.4% (Dix, 2016, p.18). London has one of the lowest home ownership after
England and Manchester. The report of London Fairness Commission stated that in 1 in 4 people
lives in rented accommodations and the number is rising continuously (Dix, 2016, p.23).
3.2 Findings
The literature search retrieved 6 articles as listed below:
S.No
.
Reference The
Intervention
Summary of Article
1 Leng,G.(2018). Impact of Homelessness
on Health. Local Government
Association.
Evidence Based
Literature
Review
Councils, and Government
Health and Wellbeing
Boards can end
homelessness.
2 Dix (2016). Literature Review. City
Bridge Trust.
Interview Study interviewed subjects
from Community and
Children Services, Open
spaces, Heart of city,
Economic Development
Unit, and NHS to collect
facts. Social Isolation and
Loneliness in Single adults
adversely affects physical
and mental health.
3 Whiteford, M., Whiteford, M., Simpson,
G. and Simpson, G., (2016). “There is
still a perception that homelessness is a
housing problem”
Semi Structured
Interviews
Scale and Scope of national or
regional homelessness
preventive strategies; intra
national variations in public
health responses to
homelessness in london
4 Evans, W.N., Sullivan, J.X. and
Wallskog, M., (2016). The impact of
homelessness prevention programs on
homelessness.
Retrospective
Analysis
Evaluates the funding sources
and impact of homelessness
preventive strategies in
London.

Impact of Homelessness on the Health of Single Adults in London 10
5 Clarke,J. (2017). Accommodating illness:
The experience of suffering in a
physically unwell homeless population
6 Scanlon,K. Whitehead,C. and Blanc,F.
(2018). A sustainable increase in London
Housing Supply.
Evaluation of
policies
Effective initiatives are
being undertaken by
improving the structure and
functioning of construction
company, improving
effective planning and
fostering greater uncertainty
and innovation.
3.3 Discussion
According to Leng (2018), 80% of the single adults in London are homeless and want to work
however just 10% of them are in paid jobs. The stressful lifestyle and anxiety due to homelessness
not only affects the existing employment but also gives rise to several chronic diseases like
hypertension, diabetes, asthma, mental health problems. The acute problems like pneumonia,
injuries and infection become difficult to control when the people find no place to recuperate and
relax. Homelessness compels a person to live at streets and shelters where there are high risks of
communicable diseases and violence. Lack of security, privacy and crowded living conditions
increases the risk of mental, physical and sexual violence.
The women aged 16-24 years experiencing domestic violence or separated or pregnant are more
likely to get homeless (Leng, 2018, p.17). The early experience of homelessness in young adults
leads to strenuous relationships, addiction to drugs or alcohol and issues in sustaining the job. These
factors ultimately result into elevated mortality rates. According to National Drug Treatment
Monitoring System, the single adults living at streets and having rough sleep face dual needs
(substance misuse and mental health). There is a significant relationship between the substance
misuse, homelessness and the criminal justice system.
Data from London reports that in 2018, around 70% of the single homeless adults also had mental
problems and more than 33% tried to self harm (Leng, 2018.p.17). Among the most vulnerable
individuals at risk for homelessness are those who ran away from care, people from black and
minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds, LGBT adults, young people from rural areas, asylum seekers,
refugees and the adults undergoing Criminal Justice System (Leng, 2018.P.11)
Table 1. Experiences of Homelessness in London by Age

Impact of Homelessness on the Health of Single Adults in London 11
Age % of single adults homeless since last 10 years
16-29 13.7
30-44 6.0
45-54 2.5
55-65 2.2
65+ 0.9
Total 25.3
Source: (Scanlon, Whitehead and Blanc,2018)
.Table 2. Homelessness by Ethnicity in London
Ethnic Origin % of single adults homeless since last 10 years
Whites 4.2
Blacks 13.4
Indian 2.4
Bangladeshi/ Pakistani 3.8
Others 4.6
Source: (Scanlon, Whitehead and Blanc,2018)
Table 3. Types of Homelessness in London
Homelessness Type % of single adults homeless since last 10 years
Hostels 23
Rough Sleep 5
Day to day based care of friend 28
Insecure Accomodation (Rented) 12
Residing with friend/ Relative , and
need home
63
Source: (Scanlon, Whitehead and Blanc,2018)

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Table 4. Decisions taken by the Housing Legislations in London for households eligible for housing
assistance
Households found Number of Eligible Applications %
On Priority
Unintentionally homeless
250, 130 43
On Priority Intentionally
Homeless
8000 3
Homeless but not on
priority need
76500 19
Not Homeless 88750 35
Total Decisions 423380 100
Source: (Scanlon, Whitehead and Blanc,2018)
According to local authorities in London, there were 47 street counts for the people sleeping rough
(Whiteford, 2016).
Scale of Single Homelessness
The practitioners and the policymakers should have a clear picture about the estimates of single
homeless adults in London due to various reasons. It will bring forth the extent of the problem, may
highlight the possible trends overtime, and may contribute to effective implementation of policies
and frameworks. The counting of homeless residents need to specify whether the measured numbers
relate to stock, prevalence or flow. The stock refers to the people who have been homeless at any
duration of time. The flow shows the number of people who became homeless due to any reason
and the prevalence shows the persistent homelessness since long time. The statistics of London or
UK have exhibited homelessness in stock and not in prevalence or flow. The number of individuals
constituting the stock is exceptionally higher than the flow.
Analysis of Scanlon, Whitehead and Blanc (2018) showed that 25% of the single adults are
homeless since 10 years in London (Table 1). The homelessness is prevalent in youth aged 16 to 29
years (Table 1). The statistics of Table 2 exhibit that the prevalence of homeless adults is highest in
Blacks than in whites or other groups. Moreover, the number of youth living with friends or
relatives and need a home are highest fraction who is homeless since the last 10 years.