1
|
Richard L, Carter B, Wu L, Hwang SW. Disparities in all-cause mortality among people experiencing homelessness in Toronto, Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cohort study. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1401662. [PMID: 39185124 PMCID: PMC11341496 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1401662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
People experiencing homelessness have historically had high mortality rates compared to housed individuals in Canada, a trend believed to have become exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this matched cohort study conducted in Toronto, Canada, we investigated all-cause mortality over a one-year period by following a random sample of people experiencing homelessness (n = 640) alongside matched housed (n = 6,400) and low-income housed (n = 6,400) individuals. Matching criteria included age, sex-assigned-at-birth, and Charlson comorbidity index. Data were sourced from the Ku-gaa-gii pimitizi-win cohort study and administrative databases from ICES. People experiencing homelessness had 2.7 deaths/100 person-years, compared to 0.7/100 person-years in both matched unexposed groups, representing an all-cause mortality unadjusted hazard ratio (uHR) of 3.7 (95% CI, 2.1-6.5). Younger homeless individuals had much higher uHRs than older groups (ages 25-44 years uHR 16.8 [95% CI 4.0-70.2]; ages 45-64 uHR 6.8 [95% CI 3.0-15.1]; ages 65+ uHR 0.35 [95% CI 0.1-2.6]). Homeless participants who died were, on average, 17 years younger than unexposed individuals. After adjusting for number of comorbidities and presence of mental health or substance use disorder, people experiencing homelessness still had more than twice the hazard of death (aHR 2.2 [95% CI 1.2-4.0]). Homelessness is an important risk factor for mortality; interventions to address this health disparity, such as increased focus on homelessness prevention, are urgently needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Richard
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Brooke Carter
- ICES Western, London Health Sciences Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Linda Wu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen W. Hwang
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of General Internal Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Meehan AA, Jeffers A, Barker J, Ray CM, Laws RL, Fields VL, Miedema SS, Cha S, Cassell CH, DiPietro B, Cary M, Yang M, McLendon H, Marcus R, Mosites E. Barriers to COVID-19 Prevention Measures Among People Experiencing Homelessness with Substance Use Disorder or Serious Mental Illness. JOURNAL OF PREVENTION (2022) 2023; 44:663-678. [PMID: 37750981 PMCID: PMC11342400 DOI: 10.1007/s10935-023-00739-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
People experiencing homelessness (PEH) are at disproportionate risk of becoming infected and having severe illness from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), especially when residing in congregate settings like homeless shelters. Behavioral health problems related to substance use disorder (SUD) and severe mental illness (SMI) may have created additional challenges for PEH to practice prevention measures like mask wearing, physical distancing, handwashing, and quarantine and isolation. The study objective was to understand the perceived barriers PEH face regarding COVID-19 non-pharmaceutical prevention strategies and identify recommendations for overcoming barriers. From August-October 2020, qualitative phone interviews with 50 purposively selected behavioral health professionals across the United States serving PEH with SUD or SMI were conducted. Professionals described that PEH faced barriers to prevention that were structural (e.g., access to necessary resources), behavioral (related to SUD or SMI), or related to the priority of other needs. Recommendations to overcome these barriers included providing free prevention resources (e.g., masks and hand sanitizer), providing education about importance of prevention strategies, and prioritizing access to stable housing. Interviews took place before COVID-19 vaccines were available, so barriers to vaccination are not included in this paper. Findings can help support tailored approaches during COVID-19 and future public health threats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley A Meehan
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Emergency Response, Atlanta, Georgia.
| | - Alexiss Jeffers
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Emergency Response, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jordan Barker
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Emergency Response, Atlanta, Georgia
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Fellow, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Colleen M Ray
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Emergency Response, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Rebecca L Laws
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Emergency Response, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Victoria L Fields
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Emergency Response, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Stephanie S Miedema
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Emergency Response, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Susan Cha
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Emergency Response, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Cynthia H Cassell
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Emergency Response, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Barbara DiPietro
- National Health Care for the Homeless Council, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Maria Yang
- Seattle Downtown Emergency Service Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Ruthanne Marcus
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Emergency Response, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Emily Mosites
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Emergency Response, Atlanta, Georgia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kalocsányiová E, Essex R, Fortune V. Inequalities in Covid-19 Messaging: A Systematic Scoping Review. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023; 38:2549-2558. [PMID: 35850593 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2022.2088022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has been widely documented. While deaths are now in the millions and many more have been impacted in other ways, the impact of Covid-19 has not been felt equally, with it exacerbating existing inequalities and disproportionately impacting a number of populations. With this Covid-19 has created unprecedented challenges in relation to health communication, with the need to reach disadvantaged populations. This systematic scoping review sought to 1) synthesize the existing research regarding communication inequalities in the response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and 2) analyze the recommendations that emerge from this body of evidence on how to best address these inequalities. This review includes 40 studies that fell into three broad groups (1) those revealing a disadvantage or inequality in studies of general population; (2) those focussing on communication with sub-groups disproportionately affected by the pandemic; and (3) those reporting and evaluating practical attempts to address inequalities. The results largely corroborate those found in past pandemics, highlighting the role of sociodemographic, cultural/religious, and economic factors in facilitating/jeopardizing the public's capacity to access and act upon public health messaging. In a number of studies it was encouraging to see recommendations from the literature - particularly, lessons learnt on the importance of community partnerships, trusted messengers and the co-creation of health and risk messages - being applied, however many challenges remain unmet. Covid-19 has also highlighted the need to actively tackle misinformation, something which was recognized, but largely unaddressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ryan Essex
- Institute for Lifecourse Development, University of Greenwich
| | - Vanessa Fortune
- Institute for Lifecourse Development, University of Greenwich
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zaildo T, Santino TA, Chaves G, da Silva BAK, Alchieri JC, Patino CM, Leite S, Luz KG, Guerra RO, da Penha THS, da Silva GR, Jácome AC, Monteiro KS, de Mendonça KMPP. Barriers to and facilitators of populational adherence to prevention and control measures of COVID-19 and other respiratory infectious diseases: a qualitative evidence synthesis. Eur Respir Rev 2023; 32:220238. [PMID: 37343960 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0238-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS To summarise the evidence on barriers to and facilitators of population adherence to prevention and control measures for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and other respiratory infectious diseases. METHODS A qualitative synthesis was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis and the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care: Qualitative Evidence Synthesis. We performed an electronic search on MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO from their inception to March 2023. RESULTS We included 71 studies regarding COVID-19, pneumonia, tuberculosis, influenza, pertussis and H1N1, representing 5966 participants. The measures reported were vaccinations, physical distancing, stay-at-home policy, quarantine, self-isolation, facemasks, hand hygiene, contact investigation, lockdown, infection prevention and control guidelines, and treatment. Tuberculosis-related measures were access to care, diagnosis and treatment completion. Analysis of the included studies yielded 37 barriers and 23 facilitators. CONCLUSIONS This review suggests that financial and social support, assertive communication, trust in political authorities and greater regulation of social media enhance adherence to prevention and control measures for COVID-19 and infectious respiratory diseases. Designing and implementing effective educational public health interventions targeting the findings of barriers and facilitators highlighted in this review are key to reducing the impact of infectious respiratory diseases at the population level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tácito Zaildo
- Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate Program in Physical Therapy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Thayla Amorim Santino
- Department of Physical Therapy, State University of Paraiba, Campina Grande, PB, Brazil
| | | | | | - João Carlos Alchieri
- Department of Psychology, Graduate Program in Science, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Cecilia M Patino
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sarah Leite
- Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate Program in Physical Therapy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Kleber Giovanni Luz
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Oliveira Guerra
- Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate Program in Physical Therapy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Tito Hugo Soares da Penha
- Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate Program in Physical Therapy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Rodrigues da Silva
- Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate Program in Physical Therapy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Ada Cristina Jácome
- Public Health Department of the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Karolinne Souza Monteiro
- Faculty of Health Sciences of Trairi, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ahillan T, Emmerson M, Swift B, Golamgouse H, Song K, Roxas A, Mendha SB, Avramović E, Rastogi J, Sultan B. COVID-19 in the homeless population: a scoping review and meta-analysis examining differences in prevalence, presentation, vaccine hesitancy and government response in the first year of the pandemic. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:155. [PMID: 36918758 PMCID: PMC10012317 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08037-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS People experiencing homelessness (PEH) have been identified as being increasingly susceptible to Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), with policies enacted to test, isolate, increase hygiene practices and prioritise vaccines among this population. Here, we conduct a scoping review of the current evidence-base pertaining to the prevalence and presentation of COVID-19 in PEH, COVID-vaccine hesitancy rates and government interventions enacted within the first year of the pandemic for PEH. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic search was conducted on Pubmed, Cochrane, Embase and MedRxiv databases for studies reporting primary data on COVID-19 prevalence and clinical characteristics in PEH, vaccine uptake for PEH and policies enacted targeting PEH. Study qualities were assessed with The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's set of Study Quality. RESULTS Eighty-three studies were included in our final analysis. The overall prevalence of symptomatic COVID-19 infection in PEH is estimated at 35%. The most common symptoms found were cough and shortness of breath, followed by fever. Concerns regarding vaccine hesitancy amongst PEH related to thoroughness of COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials, side effects and mistrust of the government. The main strategies implemented by governments were mass testing, adaption of healthcare service provision, provision of alternative housing, encouraging personal hygiene (hand sanitation and mask wearing), and inter-organisational communication. DISCUSSION In our meta-analysis, 35% of PEH with a COVID-19 infection presented symptomatically; the low prevalence of symptomatic COVID-19 infection suggests widespread testing following outbreaks would be beneficial for this group of individuals. Temporary recuperation units and measures for housing stability in the pandemic, namely provision of alternative housing and stopping evictions, were found to be highly effective. High rates of vaccine hesitancy means that education and encouragement towards vaccination would be beneficial for this vulnerable population, where comorbidities are common. Finally increased focus in research should be placed on the mental health burden of COVID-19 and the pandemic on PEH moving forwards.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bethan Swift
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Oxford, UK.,Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Binta Sultan
- Institute of Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Muacevic A, Adler JR, Fernandez-Pacheco A, Taylor L, Kahar P, Khanna D. A Survey of Public Health Failures During COVID-19. Cureus 2022; 14:e32437. [PMID: 36644033 PMCID: PMC9833812 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.32437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The prolonged coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has raised concerns about the failures in the public health measures used to manage the spread of this deadly virus. This review focuses its attention on research papers that at their core highlight the individual public health measures instituted by organizations, institutions, and the government of the United States (US) since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and that were published in 2019 to 2022. Together, these sources help paint a well-rounded view of the US management of this pandemic so that conclusions may be drawn from mistakes that were made and this country may respond better in the future to such situations. This paper is unique because it highlights the areas where improvement is needed, whereas other published work describes the measures taken and how they were carried out, not the failures, which leaves a gap in the literature that this paper hopes to fill. Through a deep dive into public health measures, seven areas in which improvements could be made were pinpointed by the authors. Such measures included mask mandates, social distancing, lockdown/quarantine, hand hygiene, COVID-19 testing, travel screening, and vaccine hesitancy. In exploring each measure, a discussion was carried out about its benefits and shortcomings in alleviating the ramifications of a global pandemic. In addition to the poor supply chain for critical products like personal protective equipment (PPE), the miscommunication between states and federal policies did not allow for the entirety of the US to respond cohesively in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. This general review is crucial to know what is working and what needs to be changed to increase the benefits provided to the population.
Collapse
|
7
|
Allen EM, Smither B, Barranco L, Reynolds J, Bursey K, Mattson K, Mosites E. Communicating Effectively With People Experiencing Homelessness to Prevent Infectious Diseases. J Infect Dis 2022; 226:S340-S345. [PMID: 36208164 PMCID: PMC9619659 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background People experiencing homelessness (PEH) are disproportionately affected by many infectious diseases, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, communication efforts during public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic often do not consider the unique needs of PEH. We examined how PEH seek and receive health information and how traditional health communication methods resonate with them. Methods We conducted in-person focus groups with PEH in 4 jurisdictions (Cincinnati, Ohio; Denver, Colorado; Sacramento, California; and the Bronx, New York) during July 2021. Results Findings from 15 focus groups with PEH (n = 53) revealed the need for trusted messengers and consistent messaging across local organizations, as PEH seek to verify information they receive from multiple sources. PEH overwhelmingly preferred to receive health information through face-to-face conversations, especially with healthcare providers with whom they had an established relationship, but they also cited news media, the internet, and social media as their main sources for obtaining health information. PEH reported that effective communication products pair a recommended action with instructions and resources about how to take that action within their community. Conclusions These findings support healthcare providers collaborating with public health agencies to ensure that infectious disease prevention messages for PEH are provided by trusted messengers, multimodal, paired with resources, and consistent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Allen
- Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Betsy Smither
- Public Health and Healthcare Program, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - Lindsey Barranco
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jennifer Reynolds
- Public Health and Healthcare Program, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kelli Bursey
- Public Health and Healthcare Program, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kristin Mattson
- Public Health and Healthcare Program, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - Emily Mosites
- Office of the Deputy Director for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Shover CL, Rosen A, Mata J, Robie B, Alvarado J, Frederes A, Romero R, Beltran J, Bratcher A, Chang AH, Choi KR, Garcia C, Shoptaw S, Guha P, Richard L, Sixx G, Baez A, Coleman A, Harvell S, Jackson S, Lee C, Swan J, Torres K, Kantrim EU, McKeever M, Nguyen A, Rice A, Rosales M, Spoliansky J, Bromley E, Behforouz H, Gelberg L, Gorbach PM, Rimoin AW, Thomas EH. Engaging Same-Day Peer Ambassadors to Increase Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination Among People Experiencing Unsheltered Homelessness in Los Angeles County: A Hybrid Feasibility-Evaluation Study. J Infect Dis 2022; 226:S346-S352. [PMID: 36208168 PMCID: PMC9989733 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of engaging unhoused peer ambassadors (PAs) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination efforts to reach people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Los Angeles County. METHODS From August to December 2021, vaccinated PAs aged ≥18 years who could provide informed consent were recruited during vaccination events for same-day participation. Events were held at encampments, service providers (eg, housing agencies, food lines, and mobile showers), and roving locations around Los Angeles. PAs were asked to join outreach alongside community health workers and shared their experience getting vaccinated, receiving a $25 gift card for each hour they participated. Postevent surveys evaluated how many PAs enrolled and how long they participated. In October 2021, we added a preliminary effectiveness evaluation of how many additional vaccinations were attributable to PAs. Staff who enrolled the PAs estimated the number of additional people vaccinated because of talking with the PA. RESULTS A total of 117 PAs were enrolled at 103 events, participating for an average of 2 hours. At events with the effectiveness evaluation, 197 additional people were vaccinated over 167 PA hours ($21.19 gift card cost per additional person vaccinated), accounting for >25% of all vaccines given at these events. DISCUSSION Recruiting same-day unhoused PAs is a feasible, acceptable, and preliminarily effective technique to increase COVID-19 vaccination in unsheltered settings. The findings can inform delivery of other health services for people experiencing homelessness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea L Shover
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Allison Rosen
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - José Mata
- Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Brooke Robie
- Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Julissa Alvarado
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ashley Frederes
- Department of Community Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ruby Romero
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jacqueline Beltran
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Anna Bratcher
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Alicia H Chang
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kristen R Choi
- Department of Health Policy and Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA
- UCLA School of Nursing,, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Candelaria Garcia
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Steven Shoptaw
- Department of Family Medicine, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Priyanka Guha
- Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lindsey Richard
- Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Gunner Sixx
- Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Angel Baez
- Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Anthony Coleman
- Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sarah Harvell
- Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Shirnae Jackson
- Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Caroline Lee
- Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Joanna Swan
- Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kenny Torres
- Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Emily Uyeda Kantrim
- Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Maya McKeever
- Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Anh Nguyen
- Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Adam Rice
- Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Marisol Rosales
- Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jordan Spoliansky
- Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Elizabeth Bromley
- Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Heidi Behforouz
- Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lillian Gelberg
- Department of Health Policy and Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Family Medicine, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Pamina M Gorbach
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Anne W Rimoin
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Emily H Thomas
- Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hodwitz K, Parsons J, Juando-Pratts C, Rosenthal E, Craig-Neil A, Hwang SW, Lockwood J, Das P, Kiran T. Challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness and their providers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study. CMAJ Open 2022; 10:E685-E691. [PMID: 35853663 PMCID: PMC9312992 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20210334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People experiencing homelessness are vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection and its consequences. We aimed to understand the perspectives of people experiencing homelessness, and of the health care and shelter workers who cared for them, during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We conducted an interpretivist qualitative study in Toronto, Canada, from December 2020 to June 2021. Participants were people experiencing homelessness who received SARS-CoV-2 testing, health care workers and homeless shelter staff. We recruited participants via email, telephone or recruitment flyers. Using individual interviews conducted via telephone or video call, we explored the experiences of people who were homeless during the pandemic, their interaction with shelter and health care settings, and related system challenges. We analyzed the data using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Among 26 participants were 11 men experiencing homelessness (aged 28-68 yr), 9 health care workers (aged 33-59 yr), 4 health care leaders (aged 37-60 yr) and 2 shelter managers (aged 47-57 yr). We generated 3 main themes: navigating the unknown, wherein participants grappled with evolving public health guidelines that did not adequately account for homeless individuals; confronting placelessness, as people experiencing homelessness often had nowhere to go owing to public closures and lack of isolation options; and struggling with powerlessness, since people experiencing homelessness lacked agency in their placelessness, and health care and shelter workers lacked control in the care they could provide. INTERPRETATION Reduced shelter capacity, public closures and lack of isolation options during the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the displacement of people experiencing homelessness and led to moral distress among providers. Planning for future pandemics must account for the unique needs of those experiencing homelessness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Hodwitz
- Applied Health Research Centre (Hodwitz, Parsons, Juando-Pratts), Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Parsons, Kiran), University of Toronto; Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute (Parsons), University of Toronto; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Juando-Pratts), University of Toronto; Department of Family and Community Medicine (Rosenthal, Das, Kiran), St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto; Department of Family and Community Medicine (Rosenthal, Das, Kiran), Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions (Craig-Neil, Hwang, Kiran), St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto; Division of General Internal Medicine (Hwang), Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; Division of Emergency Medicine (Lockwood), Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; Department of Emergency Medicine (Lockwood), St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Janet Parsons
- Applied Health Research Centre (Hodwitz, Parsons, Juando-Pratts), Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Parsons, Kiran), University of Toronto; Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute (Parsons), University of Toronto; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Juando-Pratts), University of Toronto; Department of Family and Community Medicine (Rosenthal, Das, Kiran), St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto; Department of Family and Community Medicine (Rosenthal, Das, Kiran), Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions (Craig-Neil, Hwang, Kiran), St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto; Division of General Internal Medicine (Hwang), Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; Division of Emergency Medicine (Lockwood), Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; Department of Emergency Medicine (Lockwood), St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Clara Juando-Pratts
- Applied Health Research Centre (Hodwitz, Parsons, Juando-Pratts), Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Parsons, Kiran), University of Toronto; Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute (Parsons), University of Toronto; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Juando-Pratts), University of Toronto; Department of Family and Community Medicine (Rosenthal, Das, Kiran), St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto; Department of Family and Community Medicine (Rosenthal, Das, Kiran), Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions (Craig-Neil, Hwang, Kiran), St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto; Division of General Internal Medicine (Hwang), Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; Division of Emergency Medicine (Lockwood), Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; Department of Emergency Medicine (Lockwood), St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Esther Rosenthal
- Applied Health Research Centre (Hodwitz, Parsons, Juando-Pratts), Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Parsons, Kiran), University of Toronto; Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute (Parsons), University of Toronto; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Juando-Pratts), University of Toronto; Department of Family and Community Medicine (Rosenthal, Das, Kiran), St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto; Department of Family and Community Medicine (Rosenthal, Das, Kiran), Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions (Craig-Neil, Hwang, Kiran), St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto; Division of General Internal Medicine (Hwang), Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; Division of Emergency Medicine (Lockwood), Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; Department of Emergency Medicine (Lockwood), St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Amy Craig-Neil
- Applied Health Research Centre (Hodwitz, Parsons, Juando-Pratts), Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Parsons, Kiran), University of Toronto; Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute (Parsons), University of Toronto; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Juando-Pratts), University of Toronto; Department of Family and Community Medicine (Rosenthal, Das, Kiran), St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto; Department of Family and Community Medicine (Rosenthal, Das, Kiran), Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions (Craig-Neil, Hwang, Kiran), St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto; Division of General Internal Medicine (Hwang), Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; Division of Emergency Medicine (Lockwood), Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; Department of Emergency Medicine (Lockwood), St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Stephen W Hwang
- Applied Health Research Centre (Hodwitz, Parsons, Juando-Pratts), Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Parsons, Kiran), University of Toronto; Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute (Parsons), University of Toronto; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Juando-Pratts), University of Toronto; Department of Family and Community Medicine (Rosenthal, Das, Kiran), St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto; Department of Family and Community Medicine (Rosenthal, Das, Kiran), Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions (Craig-Neil, Hwang, Kiran), St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto; Division of General Internal Medicine (Hwang), Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; Division of Emergency Medicine (Lockwood), Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; Department of Emergency Medicine (Lockwood), St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Joel Lockwood
- Applied Health Research Centre (Hodwitz, Parsons, Juando-Pratts), Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Parsons, Kiran), University of Toronto; Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute (Parsons), University of Toronto; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Juando-Pratts), University of Toronto; Department of Family and Community Medicine (Rosenthal, Das, Kiran), St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto; Department of Family and Community Medicine (Rosenthal, Das, Kiran), Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions (Craig-Neil, Hwang, Kiran), St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto; Division of General Internal Medicine (Hwang), Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; Division of Emergency Medicine (Lockwood), Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; Department of Emergency Medicine (Lockwood), St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Paul Das
- Applied Health Research Centre (Hodwitz, Parsons, Juando-Pratts), Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Parsons, Kiran), University of Toronto; Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute (Parsons), University of Toronto; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Juando-Pratts), University of Toronto; Department of Family and Community Medicine (Rosenthal, Das, Kiran), St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto; Department of Family and Community Medicine (Rosenthal, Das, Kiran), Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions (Craig-Neil, Hwang, Kiran), St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto; Division of General Internal Medicine (Hwang), Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; Division of Emergency Medicine (Lockwood), Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; Department of Emergency Medicine (Lockwood), St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Tara Kiran
- Applied Health Research Centre (Hodwitz, Parsons, Juando-Pratts), Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Parsons, Kiran), University of Toronto; Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute (Parsons), University of Toronto; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Juando-Pratts), University of Toronto; Department of Family and Community Medicine (Rosenthal, Das, Kiran), St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto; Department of Family and Community Medicine (Rosenthal, Das, Kiran), Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions (Craig-Neil, Hwang, Kiran), St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto; Division of General Internal Medicine (Hwang), Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; Division of Emergency Medicine (Lockwood), Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; Department of Emergency Medicine (Lockwood), St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ont.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Restaurant hygiene attributes and consumers’ fear of COVID-19: Does psychological distress matter? JOURNAL OF RETAILING AND CONSUMER SERVICES 2022; 67. [PMCID: PMC8915816 DOI: 10.1016/j.jretconser.2022.102972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Restaurant unhygienic affairs have concerned consumers and policy makers alike since the onset of COVID-19 pandemic. The current study incorporates restaurant hygiene attributes—consumers-use spaces, personal hygiene of staff, workplace hygiene— and their association with consumers’ fear of COVID-19 (CFC). Moreover, how CFC educes consumers’ psychological distress (CSD) and the consequent behavioral reactions—preventive behavior (PB) and revisit intention (RI)— has been examined. Furthermore, perceived vulnerability (PV) employed as a moderator between hygiene attributes and CFC. Data collected from 407 respondents via Chinese online platform was analyzed in SPSS 25.0 and AMOS 24.0. Results showed significant association between hygiene attributes and CFC. Similarly, CFC significantly engenders CSD, which consequently effects PB. Contrarily to our hypothesis, CSD positively developed RI. Lastly, PV moderated the relationships between antecedents and CFC. Findings add to the literature of health management, consumer psychology, and service management with practical relevance, followed by limitations and potential future avenues.
Collapse
|
11
|
Mosites E, Harrison B, Montgomery MP, Meehan AA, Leopold J, Barranco L, Schwerzler L, Carmichael AE, Clarke KEN, Butler JC. Public Health Lessons Learned in Responding to COVID-19 Among People Experiencing Homelessness in the United States. Public Health Rep 2022; 137:625-629. [PMID: 35485305 PMCID: PMC9066269 DOI: 10.1177/00333549221083643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Mosites
- Office of the Deputy Director for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Martha P Montgomery
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ashley A Meehan
- Office of the Deputy Director for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Lindsey Barranco
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Andrea E Carmichael
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Division of Injury Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kristie E N Clarke
- Office of the Director, Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jay C Butler
- Office of the Deputy Director for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Corey J, Lyons J, O’Carroll A, Stafford R, Ivers JH. A Scoping Review of the Health Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Persons Experiencing Homelessness in North America and Europe. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:3219. [PMID: 35328907 PMCID: PMC8954292 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Persons experiencing homelessness (PEH) are at heightened risk for infection, morbidity, and mortality from COVID-19. However, health consequences of the pandemic extend far beyond those directly caused by the virus. This scoping review aimed to explore the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health and well-being of PEH in North America and Europe. A systematic search of academic and grey literature was conducted in September 2021. To be included, studies had to include primary data related to the impact of the pandemic on health or well-being of PEH and be written in English. All potentially relevant references were independently screened by two reviewers, and minor conflicts were settled with input of a third reviewer. A total of 96 articles met criteria for inclusion. Data extraction was completed for all included studies, and findings synthesised and presented thematically. Numerous health impacts of the pandemic on PEH were identified, including SARS-CoV-2 infection, morbidity, mortality, and hospitalisation, fear of infection, access to housing, hygiene, PPE, food, as well as mental health, substance use, other health-related outcomes and treatment services. Gaps in the literature relating to persons using alcohol, access to mental health support, and violence were also identified. Implications for future research are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Corey
- Department of Public Health & Primary Care, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, D24H74 Dublin, Ireland; (J.C.); (J.L.)
| | - James Lyons
- Department of Public Health & Primary Care, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, D24H74 Dublin, Ireland; (J.C.); (J.L.)
| | | | - Richie Stafford
- HSE Community Healthcare Organisation Dublin North City & County, D09C8P5 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Jo-Hanna Ivers
- Department of Public Health & Primary Care, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, D24H74 Dublin, Ireland; (J.C.); (J.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ballard AM, Caruso BA. Public handwashing for basic hygiene in people experiencing homelessness. Lancet Planet Health 2021; 5:e763. [PMID: 34774117 PMCID: PMC8580496 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(21)00283-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- April M Ballard
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | - Bethany A Caruso
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| |
Collapse
|