The purpose of this study was to identify the presence of frequencies of psychosocial variables that influence the behavior of homeless individuals, using five shelters in Panama as reference points. A non-probabilistic purposive sample of 160 individuals, all beneficiaries of the Juan Pablo II Center through its shelter services, was used. The data collection instruments included a structured interview, the Mini-Mental State Examination (Lobo, 1999), and a Mental Status Examination Protocol. The study is descriptive (observational, non-interventional). The research design was non-experimental, and the statistical method used was frequency analysis.
The results revealed a high prevalence of early substance use (e.g., 26% began consuming alcohol between the ages of 13–17), negatively correlated with cognitive performance (r = -.42, p < .05). Mental health deficits were also identified: 27.5% presented with depression, 24.4% with anxiety, and only 20% had documented diagnoses. Socio-educational limitations were evident: 83.2% of the sample were over 40 years old, with low educational attainment (16.3% had higher education) and precarious employment (33.8% in unskilled jobs). There were also impairments in judgment capacity (15% severely disturbed) and mood alterations, associated with gambling addiction (r = .38, p < .01) and police detentions (r = .35, p < .05).
The findings confirm the critical impact of psychosocial variables (addictions, mental health, and labor exclusion) on the behavior of this population. Integrated interventions are recommended, combining mental health care, detoxification programs, and job training.
