Factors associated with homelessness among women: a cross-sectional survey of outpatient mental health service users at The Banyan, India.

Background: Homelessness has multifaceted and damaging effects on women with mental illness. This makes it imperative to identify and address the factors leading to homelessness among women with mental illness in order to inform policy on providing relevant services for this vulnerable population.

Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 346 women in active contact with one of four outpatient clinics at The Banyan, a non-profit organization in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.