Alcohol Use Among Homeless Men in Tehran, Iran: Risk and Protective Factors

Alcohol use is one of the most complicated health problems. The understanding of risk and protective factors contributing to alcohol use could help deal with this problem more efficiently.

The present study examined the risk and protective factors for alcohol use among homeless men living in Tehran, Iran.

This cross-sectional study was conducted from September to November 2015. A total of 193 homeless men were recruited using convenience sampling from Khavaran Shelter, the largest shelter for homeless people, in the south of Tehran. Data were analyzed using a logistic regression model to examine if using alcohol is associated with potential risk and protective factors. Conducting logistic regression, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) point estimate and 95% confidence interval (CI 95%) as the effect measures were reported. All tests were run using SPSS version 21.

The prevalence rates of recent (past 7 days) and past-year alcohol use were 14.5% (95% CI: 9.50, 19.50) and 43.52% (95% CI: 36.50, 50.50), respectively. Hosmer-Lemeshow test (χ 2 (4) = 10.37, P = 0.17) indicated the goodness of fit of the model to the data. The results of the fitted logistic regression model explained that social support (OR = 0.63, CI 95%: 0.36-1.08) and being a local resident (OR = 0.32, CI 95%: 0.17 - 0.61) were the protective factors while the level of relationship with peer network (OR = 2.08, CI 95%: 1.19 - 3.63) and having a history of arrest (OR = 3.16, CI 95%: 1.34 - 7.46) were risk factors of alcohol use among Iranian homeless men during the last year. The predictors entered into the regression model could explain between 13% and 17.5% of the variance of the outcome (alcohol use).

This study contributes to the existing literature by examining risk and protective factors among a high-risk population. Our findings can be used in designing and implementing interventions that are more effective for the homeless group living in a non-Western context.