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Background <p>Although approximately 90,000 homeless women live in Germany, little medical research on this population exists. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive overview of the medical situation of homeless women in Germany and to identify their specific healthcare needs.</p> Methods <p>The study was conducted in two parts. First, a systematic literature review was carried out, initially focusing on non-gender-specific publications from Germany and subsequently on gender-specific studies from other Western industrialized countries. In the second phase, qualitative expert interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals working in low-threshold medical services for homeless individuals.</p> Results <p>Homeless women represent a highly vulnerable yet underserved patient group. Compared to both the general population and homeless men, they exhibit significantly poorer health outcomes. Distinct gender-specific differences were observed in patterns of morbidity and service utilization. Psychiatric illness and trauma are particularly prevalent among homeless women, and both mortality and suicide rates are alarmingly high. Despite these risks, very few low-threshold facilities offer gender-specific or&#xa0;gynecological care. Barriers such as mistrust, shame, and structural limitations further restrict access to appropriate healthcare. Overall, the specific needs of homeless women are still inadequately addressed in both research and clinical practice.</p> Conclusion <p>There is an urgent need for more gender-sensitive research on homelessness and healthcare in Germany. Future studies should consistently include gender-based analyses to avoid male-centered data bias. Medical care models must be trauma-informed and tailored to the complex social and health realities of homeless women in order to improve access, equity, and outcomes.</p>

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The medical situation of homeless women in Germany: an overlooked vulnerable population

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年8月28日

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  • Anna Francesca Tapken,
  • Alfred Simon,
  • Eva Hummers

摘要

Background

Although approximately 90,000 homeless women live in Germany, little medical research on this population exists. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive overview of the medical situation of homeless women in Germany and to identify their specific healthcare needs.

Methods

The study was conducted in two parts. First, a systematic literature review was carried out, initially focusing on non-gender-specific publications from Germany and subsequently on gender-specific studies from other Western industrialized countries. In the second phase, qualitative expert interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals working in low-threshold medical services for homeless individuals.

Results

Homeless women represent a highly vulnerable yet underserved patient group. Compared to both the general population and homeless men, they exhibit significantly poorer health outcomes. Distinct gender-specific differences were observed in patterns of morbidity and service utilization. Psychiatric illness and trauma are particularly prevalent among homeless women, and both mortality and suicide rates are alarmingly high. Despite these risks, very few low-threshold facilities offer gender-specific or gynecological care. Barriers such as mistrust, shame, and structural limitations further restrict access to appropriate healthcare. Overall, the specific needs of homeless women are still inadequately addressed in both research and clinical practice.

Conclusion

There is an urgent need for more gender-sensitive research on homelessness and healthcare in Germany. Future studies should consistently include gender-based analyses to avoid male-centered data bias. Medical care models must be trauma-informed and tailored to the complex social and health realities of homeless women in order to improve access, equity, and outcomes.