Homelessness and Mental Health in Spain: Nursing Implications from the Evidence of the 9th FOESSA Report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5538/2385-703X.2026.32.16Abstract
Objective: To analyze the relationship between homelessness and mental health in Spain based on evidence from the 9th FOESSA Report and recent scientific literature, identifying implications for evidence-based nursing practice.
Materials and Methods: A literature review with a critical approach was conducted. The 9th FOESSA Report was used as the primary source, complemented by studies published between 2014 and 2025 in biomedical databases (PubMed and CINAHL). Research on housing exclusion, social determinants, and mental health in the adult population was included. The total search yielded 132 articles. Following title and abstract screening, 80 articles were chosen. After full-text reading, 20 scientific articles were selected.
Results: The report confirms that 8.5 million people are experiencing social exclusion in Spain (18.7% of the population), with 4.2 million suffering from extreme exclusion. Housing exclusion constitutes one of the central axes of the exclusion process, affecting approximately 4.6 million people. The accumulation of difficulties in housing, employment, and social networks is associated with greater psychological vulnerability, emotional deterioration, and an increased risk of mental disorders becoming chronic.
Discussion: Homelessness must be addressed as a structural determinant of mental health. Integrated, person-centered care models coordinated across sectors are required.
Recommendations: It is recommended to incorporate the assessment of housing status into nursing practice, strengthen training in social exclusion, promote public policies, and implement awareness-raising actions.
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