The aim of this study is to better understand homelessness by analysing the most common causes of death, locations where bodies were found, demographic data, and blood alcohol levels.
The study used documentation from the Department of Forensic Medicine in Krakow, examining 335 cases from years 2015 to 2022. Selection criteria included individuals without permanent housing. Causes of death were classified according to the ICD-10 criteria. At the time of death, in 54% of cases the individuals were under the influence of alcohol, and 75% showed liver steatosis, indicating chronic alcohol abuse. The bodies of homeless individuals were most often found in public spaces such as bus stops, parking lots, sidewalks, and vacant buildings. This study reveals that the most frequent causes of death among homeless individuals were acute alcohol poisoning and pneumonia, which is in contrast with the general population, where the leading causes are cardiovascular diseases and cancers.
