[Housing problems during the discharge process from a public hospital on the Costa del Sol].

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the evolution of housing problems that complicate hospital discharge over a period of more than 20 years, as well as changes in the profile of the affected patients.

METHOD: We conducted a time series analysis, based on clinical-administrative data and social work department consultations at a public hospital in Andalusia. Their evolution between 2004 and 2025 was studied, as well as the characteristics of the affected patients at the beginning and end of the historical period.

RESULTS

1220 referrals for housing problems that complicated discharge were analyzed. The rate per 1000 patients treated increased from 0.20 in 2004-2006 to 0.83 in 2023-2025, specially in males. In the most recent period, patients with housing problems were older and predominantly homeless (p=0.02 in both comparisons).

CONCLUSIONS

In 20 years, the rate of patients with housing problems that complicate hospital discharge has quadrupled, with a particular increase in the number of homeless patients requiring care.