The study involved over 750 people staying in two hostels for the homeless in Copenhagen in 1991. Some were interviewed about several aspects of their lives including upbringing, family background, education, and psychiatric treatment.
Mortality was higher in the younger age groups (15-34 years) and among homeless women. The highest mortality was among homeless people staying only a short time at a hostel or staying more than once during 1991, showing that this transient population is the most vulnerable and has the highest risk of early death, say the authors.
Other predictors of early death included adverse childhood experiences, such as death of the father, and misuse of alcohol and drugs.
Outreach and case management techniques can improve the standards of daily living for homeless people, add the authors. The prevention of social exclusion should start early in life.