Happiness of Service Users in The Home for Destitute (Women)

Abstract

This study aimed to 1) investigate the level of happiness among female residents of a shelter for homeless women and 2) compare the level of happiness according to their physical and mental health conditions. Samples were comprised of 116 female residents, selected through simple random sampling. Research instruments included a general information questionnaire, a self-worth perception questionnaire, the Thai Mental Health Indicator-15 (TMHI-15), and the Thai Happiness Indicators-15 (THI-15). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, and chi-square tests. The results revealed that 1) overall, the residents of the shelter exhibited a low level of happiness, and 2) when analyzed according to health status, residents with both physical and mental health problems-particularly chronic illnesses and mental health issues-had significantly lower levels of happiness compared to those without such conditions. The findings indicated that comorbidities and life instability are key factors affecting perceived happiness and quality of life among the residents. These results can serve as a baseline for developing comprehensive care models and service provision in shelters for homeless women, emphasizing holistic support in physical health, mental health, and social well-being to promote happiness, daily functioning, and overall quality of life sustainably.