The influence of sociodemographic variables and traumatic life events on the alcohol consumption of homeless people in Spain

Abstract

This article uses the latest Spanish Survey on Homeless People to address whether traumatic experiences, sociodemographic characteristics, and homeless categories are associated with being an abstainer, a risky drinker, or a high-risk drinker. The sample was composed of 3,407 Spanish homeless adults ranging from 18 to 93 years old (Mage = 41.30, SD = 13.86). A multinomial logistic regression model was used. Results showed that experiencing childhood problems and demographic factors, such as being male, single, over 50, living in insecure or inadequate housing, and having lived in a shelter for less than three months were associated with alcohol consumption. Likewise, traumatic life events, such as a parent having been in prison, illness, disabilities, and alcohol problems in the family or themselves, are also risk factors in alcohol use. The findings from Spain support that early intervention strategies both disrupt cumulative inequality and empower those at risk of homelessness to develop their skills and improve their wellbeing.