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Yildirim D, Şenyuva E, Kaya E. Turkish nurses' psychological resilience and burnout levels during the COVID-19 pandemic: A correlational study. Int J Nurs Pract 2024; 30:e13239. [PMID: 38308441 DOI: 10.1111/ijn.13239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the relationship between the psychological resilience and burnout of nurses caring for COVID-19 patients and to determine the factors that affect their psychological resilience and burnout. BACKGROUND In pandemic diseases such as COVID-19, nurses experience burnout due to long working hours, decreased quality of life and anxiety/fear about their own/families' health. Psychological resilience helps to control burnout in nurses and prevent the development of a global nurse shortage. DESIGN This was a descriptive, correlational study. METHODS The sample of this study included 201 nurses in a Training and Research Hospital. The study used the Brief Resilience Scale and the Burnout Measure Short Version. Data were collected between 4 May and 1 June 2020. Statistical analysis was made with Pearson/Spearman, independent sample t test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. RESULTS Nurses reported moderate burnout and psychological resilience, with a negative and highly significant correlation between psychological resilience and burnout levels. CONCLUSIONS In order to increase the quality of patient care/treatment, nurse managers need to reduce nurses' burnout and increase their psychological resilience. Nurses are recommended to adopt a healthy lifestyle, organize training programmes and implement psychological resilience interventions to prevent sleep disorders. Giving nurses the tools to understand what they need to manage within their locus of control will allow them to find a new sense of resilience, preventing potential burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Yildirim
- Graduate Education Institute, Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Emine Şenyuva
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Nursing Education Department, Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ender Kaya
- Prof. Dr. Cemil Taşcıoğlu City Hospital, Clinic of Psychiatry, Istanbul, Turkey
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Zhang X, Blackwell CK, Moore J, Liu SH, Liu C, Forrest CB, Ganiban J, Stroustrup A, Aschner JL, Trasande L, Deoni SCL, Elliott AJ, Angal J, Karr CJ, Lester BM, McEvoy CT, O'Shea TM, Fry RC, Shipp GM, Gern JE, Herbstman J, Carroll KN, Teitelbaum SL, Wright RO, Wright RJ. Associations between neighborhood characteristics and child well-being before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: A repeated cross-sectional study in the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118765. [PMID: 38548252 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
The corona virus disease (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted daily life worldwide, and its impact on child well-being remains a major concern. Neighborhood characteristics affect child well-being, but how these associations were affected by the pandemic is not well understood. We analyzed data from 1039 children enrolled in the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes Program whose well-being was assessed using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global Health questionnaire and linked these data to American Community Survey (ACS) data to evaluate the impacts of neighborhood characteristics on child well-being before and during the pandemic. We estimated the associations between more than 400 ACS variables and child well-being t-scores stratified by race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic white vs. all other races and ethnicities) and the timing of outcome data assessment (pre-vs. during the pandemic). Network graphs were used to visualize the associations between ACS variables and child well-being t-scores. The number of ACS variables associated with well-being t-scores decreased during the pandemic period. Comparing non-Hispanic white with other racial/ethnic groups during the pandemic, different ACS variables were associated with child well-being. Multiple ACS variables representing census tract-level housing conditions and neighborhood racial composition were associated with lower well-being t-scores among non-Hispanic white children during the pandemic, while higher percentage of Hispanic residents and higher percentage of adults working as essential workers in census tracts were associated with lower well-being t-scores among non-white children during the same study period. Our study provides insights into the associations between neighborhood characteristics and child well-being, and how the COVID-19 pandemic affected this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueying Zhang
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Institute for Climate Change, Environmental Health and Exposomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | | | | | - Shelley H Liu
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, WA, USA
| | | | - Jody Ganiban
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, Washington D.C, USA
| | - Annemarie Stroustrup
- Departments of Pediatrics and Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology & Prevention, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra / Northwell and Cohen Children's Hospital, New Hyde Park, NY, USA
| | - Judy L Aschner
- Departments of Pediatrics, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley NJ and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | | | - Sean C L Deoni
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Amy J Elliott
- Avera Research Institute and University of South Dakota School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Jyoti Angal
- Avera Research Institute and University of South Dakota School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Catherine J Karr
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, WA, USA
| | - Barry M Lester
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior/ Department of Pediatrics, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Cindy T McEvoy
- Department of Pediatrics and Papé Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - T Michael O'Shea
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rebecca C Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Gayle M Shipp
- Chareles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health, Michigan State University, MI, USA
| | - James E Gern
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA
| | - Julie Herbstman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, NY, USA
| | - Kecia N Carroll
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Institute for Climate Change, Environmental Health and Exposomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Susan L Teitelbaum
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Institute for Climate Change, Environmental Health and Exposomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert O Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Institute for Climate Change, Environmental Health and Exposomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rosalind J Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Institute for Climate Change, Environmental Health and Exposomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Tsai J, McCleery A, Wynn JK, Green MF. Financial health and psychiatric symptoms among veterans with psychosis or recent homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychol Serv 2024; 21:362-368. [PMID: 37410791 PMCID: PMC10770285 DOI: 10.1037/ser0000787] [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: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted the physical health of some vulnerable groups, but further study is needed to investigate the pandemic's impact on financial health and mental well-being. We analyzed data from 158 participants, consisting of 59 veterans with a psychotic disorder (PSY), 49 recently housed veterans (RHV), and a control group of 50 veterans (CTL) who were assessed five times from May 2020-July 2021. This study compared the financial health of these three groups and examined the relation between financial health and psychiatric symptoms. Although the CTL group reported significantly higher income and savings than the PSY and RHV groups, the CTL group reported greater negative financial shocks than the PSY group. The RHV group reported greater material hardship but greater propensity to plan for finances and less financial shocks than the PSY group. Across all three groups, there was a reduction in financial shocks over time and no group showed more change than another. Across time, material hardship, financial shocks, and propensity to plan for finances were each significantly associated with symptoms of major depression. Together, these findings suggest the COVID-19 pandemic did not greatly impact the financial health of PSY and RHV groups possibly because of their limited income and resilience to adversity. Financial health was related to mental health supporting the U.S. government's strategic plan to include financial empowerment services in efforts to improve mental health and reduce veteran suicide. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Tsai
- National Center on Homelessness among Veterans, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine
| | | | - Jonathan K. Wynn
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Michael F. Green
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles
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Calderón-Villarreal A, Avelar Portillo LJ, Abramovitz D, Goldenberg S, Flanigan S, Quintana PJE, Harvey-Vera A, Vera CF, Rangel G, Strathdee SA, Kayser GL. Water, sanitation, and hygiene access among people who inject drugs in Tijuana and San Diego in 2020-2021: a cross-sectional study. Int J Equity Health 2024; 23:79. [PMID: 38644494 PMCID: PMC11034064 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-024-02163-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) access is critical to public health and human dignity. People who inject drugs (PWID) experience stigma and structural violence that may limit WASH access. Few studies have assessed WASH access, insecurity, and inequities among PWID. We describe WASH access, social and geographic inequalities, and factors associated with WASH insecurity among PWID in the Tijuana-San Diego metropolitan area. METHODS In this cross-sectional binational study, we interviewed PWID (age 18+) in 2020-2021 about WASH access and insecurity. City of residence (Tijuana/San Diego) and housing status were considered as independent variables to describe key WASH access outcomes and to assess as factors associated with WASH insecurity outcomes. Measures of association between outcomes and independent variables were assessed using log modified-Poisson regression models adjusting for covariates. RESULTS Of 586 PWID (202 Tijuana; 384 San Diego), 89% reported basic access to drinking water, 38% had basic hand hygiene, 28% basic sanitation, and 46% access to bathing, and 38% reported recent open defecation. Participants residing in Tijuana reported significantly higher insecurity in accessing basic drinking water (aRR: 1.68, 95%CI: 1.02-2.76), basic hygiene (aRR: 1.45, 95%CI: 1.28-1.64), and bathing (aRR: 1.21, 95%CI: 1.06-1.39) than those living in San Diego. Participants experiencing unsheltered homelessness experienced significantly higher insecurity in accessing basic drinking water (aRR: 2.03, 95%CI: 1.07-3.86), basic sanitation (aRR: 1.68, 95%CI: 1.48, 1.92), bathing (aRR: 1.84, 95%CI: 1.52-2.22), and improved water sources for cleaning wounds (aRR: 3.12, 95%CI: 1.55-6.29) and for preparing drugs (aRR: 2.58, 95%CI: 1.36-4.89) than participants living in permanent housing. CONCLUSION WASH access among PWID in the Tijuana-San Diego metropolitan area was low by international standards and lower than the national averages in both countries. Homelessness was significantly associated with WASH insecurity in this population. Concentrated efforts are needed to guarantee continuously available WASH services for PWID-especially those who are unsheltered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alhelí Calderón-Villarreal
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), San Diego, California, USA.
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University (SDSU), San Diego, California, USA.
| | - Lourdes Johanna Avelar Portillo
- Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Division of Global Health, Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Daniela Abramovitz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Shira Goldenberg
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University (SDSU), San Diego, California, USA
| | - Shawn Flanigan
- School of Public Affairs, SDSU, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Penelope J E Quintana
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University (SDSU), San Diego, California, USA
| | - Alicia Harvey-Vera
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
- Universidad de Xochicalco, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Carlos F Vera
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Gudelia Rangel
- El Colegio de la Frontera Norte, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
- Border Health Commission, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Steffanie A Strathdee
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Georgia L Kayser
- Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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Bunker-Alberts M, Scheftz E, Molga H, Gatto A, Fisher E, Khalafalla FG. Street medicine: An interprofessional elective to address the unhoused population crisis. CURRENTS IN PHARMACY TEACHING & LEARNING 2024; 16:270-280. [PMID: 38184484 DOI: 10.1016/j.cptl.2023.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The homelessness crisis continues to escalate nationwide, yet many healthcare providers are not adequately prepared to provide care for unhoused patients. An interprofessional Street Medicine elective was developed to address identified knowledge gaps in the unhoused population healthcare needs. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING The course comprised didactic and clinical elements focused on empathetic communication, resource utilization, and medical management for unhoused patients. Course learning outcomes were evaluated via thematic analysis of students' post-course reflective essays. Additionally, students completed a voluntary survey to evaluate course effectiveness in preparing students for healthcare in the unhoused population and to identify areas for course improvement. FINDINGS Thirty students completed the course (17 osteopathic medical, five pharmacy, eight joint physician assistant/public health). All enrolled students submitted mandatory post-course reflections and 57% completed the voluntary survey. Thematic analysis of reflections indicated that the course content challenged biases toward unhoused populations, equipped students with new perspectives on the unique healthcare needs for unhoused patients, and provided interprofessional approaches to address these needs. Voluntary survey results demonstrated students' preparedness to provide effective care for local unhoused patients without bias or stigma. Most students reported they were likely to incorporate the knowledge/skills acquired from the course in their future clinical practice and were satisfied with the course content and organization. SUMMARY The Street Medicine elective provided a structured interprofessional curricular opportunity on specialized care for unhoused individuals. This course can be adapted by other healthcare professional programs to empower students to address the growing homelessness crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Bunker-Alberts
- Touro University California, College of Education and Health Sciences, School of Nursing, 1310 Club Drive, Vallejo, CA 94592, United States.
| | - Erin Scheftz
- Touro University California, College of Osteopathic Medicine, 1310 Club Drive, Vallejo, CA 94592, United States.
| | - Heidi Molga
- Touro University California, College of Osteopathic Medicine, 1310 Club Drive, Vallejo, CA 94592, United States.
| | - Andrew Gatto
- Touro University California, College of Osteopathic Medicine, 1310 Club Drive, Vallejo, CA 94592, United States.
| | - Emily Fisher
- One Love Vallejo Mobile Health, 949 Amador Street, Vallejo, CA 94589, United States.
| | - Farid G Khalafalla
- Touro University California, College of Education and Health Sciences, 1310 Club Drive, Vallejo, CA 94592, United States.
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Iwundu CN. Impact of COVID-19 on individuals experiencing homelessness: Lessons learned and recommendations for practitioners. Glob Health Promot 2024:17579759241232395. [PMID: 38459655 DOI: 10.1177/17579759241232395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, which brought about unprecedented changes globally, shed light on the significant disparities faced by persons experiencing homelessness (PEH). These individuals faced an elevated risk of contracting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) due to factors such as lack of safe housing, limited access to hygiene and sanitation, and communal living situations. The unique challenges, vulnerabilities, and effects of COVID-19 on PEH is discussed, as well as lessons learned from these experiences, recommendations for practitioners, and the ongoing implications for addressing homelessness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chisom N Iwundu
- University of North Texas, Department of Rehabilitation and Health Services, Denton, TX, USA
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Martins ALJ, de Souza AA, da Silva GDM, Dantas ACDMTV, Marinho RA, Fernandes LDMM, Oliveira AMC, Magalhães Júnior HM, Paes-Sousa R. Access to health and social protection policies by homeless people during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods case study on tailored inter-sector care during a health emergency. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1356652. [PMID: 38469268 PMCID: PMC10926274 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1356652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The article analyzed homeless people's (HP) access to health and social protection policies and tailored inter-sector care, including emergency measures, during the COVID-19 pandemic in Belo Horizonte (BH), capital of Minas Gerais state, Brazil. It intended to provide data on HP and evaluate existing public policies focused on vulnerable populations during this health emergency. Methods The study adopted a mixed-methods design with triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data. Results Social cartography showed that in the early months of the pandemic, the health administration had difficulty reordering the health system, which experienced constant updates in the protocols but was nevertheless consolidated over the months. The evidence collected in the study showed that important emergency interventions in the municipality of BH involved activities that facilitated access by HP to the supply of services. Discussion The existence of national guidelines for inter-sector care for HP cannot be ruled out as a positive influence, although the municipalities are responsible for their implementation. Significantly, a health emergency was necessary to intensify the relationship between health and social protection services. Roving services were among those with the greatest positive evidence, with the least need for infrastructure to be replicated at the local level. In addition, the temporary supply of various inter-sector services, simultaneously with the provision of day shelters by organized civil society, was considered a key factor for expanding and intensifying networks of care for HP during the emergency phase. A plan exists to continue and expand this model in the future. The study concluded that understanding the inter-sector variables that impact HP contributes to better targeting of investments in interventions that work at the root causes of these issues or that increase the effectiveness of health and social protection systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Luisa Jorge Martins
- Health and Social Protection Policies Research Group, René Rachou Institute/Fiocruz Minas, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Anelise Andrade de Souza
- Health and Social Protection Policies Research Group, René Rachou Institute/Fiocruz Minas, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- School of Nutrition, Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP), Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Drummond Marques da Silva
- Health and Social Protection Policies Research Group, René Rachou Institute/Fiocruz Minas, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Rafaela Alves Marinho
- Health and Social Protection Policies Research Group, René Rachou Institute/Fiocruz Minas, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luísa da Matta Machado Fernandes
- Health and Social Protection Policies Research Group, René Rachou Institute/Fiocruz Minas, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Caldeira Oliveira
- Health and Social Protection Policies Research Group, René Rachou Institute/Fiocruz Minas, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Helvécio Miranda Magalhães Júnior
- Health and Social Protection Policies Research Group, René Rachou Institute/Fiocruz Minas, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rômulo Paes-Sousa
- Health and Social Protection Policies Research Group, René Rachou Institute/Fiocruz Minas, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Mennis E, Hobus M, van den Muijsenbergh M, van Loenen T. COVID-19 related morbidity and mortality in people experiencing homelessness in the Netherlands. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296754. [PMID: 38315711 PMCID: PMC10843097 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People who are homeless might be more at risk for getting infected by the SARS-COV-2 virus or for experiencing severe course of the infection due to their often more fragile health, unmet health needs, and poorer living conditions. This study aims to gain insight into the morbidity and mortality of the SARS-COV-2 virus among the homeless population in the Netherlands. METHODS In this observational retrospective study, anonymized data about patients experiencing homelessness who contacted a street doctor were gathered in nine cities in the Netherlands from March 2020 until March 2021. Data included patient characteristics, COVID-19 -related symptoms, diagnosis, and disease course of a SARS-COV-2 infection. RESULTS Of the total 1419 patients in whom 1544 COVID-19 related consults were registered, 16% tested positive for a SARS-COV-2 infection, and an additional 12% were clinically suspected of having a SARS-COV-2 infection but were seen before there were any COVID-19 tests available in General Practice or for some other reason not tested. Significantly more (p = <0.001) patients born outside the European Union tested positive for a SARS-COV-2 infection (36%) compared to the remainder of the population (20%). The most discerning symptom for being tested positive was loss of taste and smell (29% vs 6% in the negative tested group and 2% in the suspected group), fever (24% vs 13% in the negative tested group but 18% in the suspected group), and headache (26% vs 17% resp 14%), and fatigue (29% vs 20 resp 17%). Cough, dyspnea and common cold were more often seen in the clinically suspected but not tested group). Of the group that tested positive for a SARS-COV-2 infection, 10% were hospitalized. Two patients were admitted to intensive care and one patient died. Of patients who were clinically suspected of a SARS-COV-2 infection, 5% were hospitalized. CONCLUSION COVID-19 was not widespread among people experiencing homelessness in the Netherlands, but the number of hospitalizations in this study was relatively high. Monitoring this population during a pandemic is necessary to take prompt action when needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Mennis
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Michelle Hobus
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Maria van den Muijsenbergh
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Pharos, Centre of Expertise on Health Disparities, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tessa van Loenen
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Pharos, Centre of Expertise on Health Disparities, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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9
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Willison C, Unwala N, Singer PM, Creedon TB, Mullin B, Cook BL. Persistent Disparities: Trends in Rates of Sheltered Homelessness Across Demographic Subgroups in the USA. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024; 11:326-338. [PMID: 36795291 PMCID: PMC9933811 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01521-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Homelessness is a public health crisis affecting millions of Americans every year, with severe consequences for health ranging from infectious diseases to adverse behavioral health outcomes to significantly higher all-cause mortality. A primary constraint of addressing homelessness is a lack of effective and comprehensive data on rates of homelessness and who experiences homelessness. While other types of health services research and policy are based around comprehensive health datasets to successfully evaluate outcomes and link individuals with services and policies, there are few such datasets that report homelessness. METHODS Gathering archived data from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, we created a unique dataset of annual rates of homelessness, nationally, as measured by persons accessing homeless shelter systems, for 11 years (2007-2017, including the Great Recession and prior to the start of the 2020 pandemic). Responding to the need to measure and address racial and ethnic disparities in homelessness, the dataset reports annual rates of homelessness across HUD selected, Census-based racial and ethnic categories. FINDINGS Between 2007 and 2017, across all types of sheltered homelessness, whether individual, family, or total, Black, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander individuals and families were far more likely to experience homelessness than non-Hispanic White individuals and families. Particularly concerning about the rates of homelessness among these populations is the persistent and increasing nature of these disparities across the entire study period. CONCLUSIONS While homelessness is a public health problem, the hazard of experiencing homelessness is not uniformly distributed across different populations. Because homelessness is such a strong social determinant of health and risk factor across multiple health domains, it deserves the same careful annual tracking and evaluation by public health stakeholders as other areas of health and health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charley Willison
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, S2005 Schurman Hall, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA.
| | - Naquia Unwala
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, S2005 Schurman Hall, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Phillip M Singer
- Department of Political Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Timothy B Creedon
- Health Equity Research Lab, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Brian Mullin
- Health Equity Research Lab, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin Lê Cook
- Health Equity Research Lab, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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10
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Gin JL, Balut MD, Dobalian A. COVID-19 vaccination uptake and receptivity among veterans enrolled in homelessness-tailored primary health care clinics: provider trust vs. misinformation. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2024; 25:24. [PMID: 38216894 PMCID: PMC10785369 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-023-02251-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compared to the general population, individuals experiencing homelessness are at greater risk of excess morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 but have been vaccinated at lower rates. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)'s Homeless Patient Aligned Care Team (HPACT) program integrates health care and social services for Veterans experiencing homelessness to improve access to and utilization of care. METHODS This study explores the vaccination uptake behavior and attitudes through a qualitative comparative case study of two HPACT clinics, one in California (CA) and one in North Dakota (ND). Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with Veterans enrolled in the two VA HPACT clinics from August to December 2021 with 20 Veterans (10 at each clinic). RESULTS Four themes emerged from the interviews: (1) Vaccination uptake and timing- While half of the Veterans interviewed were vaccinated, ND Veterans were more likely to be vaccinated and got vaccinated earlier than CA Veterans; (2) Housing- Unsheltered or precariously housed Veterans were less likely to be vaccinated; (3) Health Care- Veterans reporting positive experiences with VA health care and those who trusted health providers were more likely to vaccinate than those with negative or nuanced satisfaction with health care; (4) Refusers' Conspiracy Theories and Objectivity Claims- Veterans refusing the vaccine frequently mentioned belief in conspiracy theories while simultaneously asserting their search for objective information from unbiased sources. CONCLUSIONS These findings amplify the importance of improving access to population-tailored care for individuals experiencing homelessness by reducing patient loads, expanding housing program enrollment, and increasing the provider workforce to ensure personalized care. Health care providers, and housing providers, social workers, and peers, who offer information without discrediting or criticizing Veterans' beliefs, are also key to effectively delivering vaccine messaging to this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- June L Gin
- Veterans Emergency Management Evaluation Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, 16111 Plummer St. MS-152, North Hills, CA, 91343, USA.
| | - Michelle D Balut
- Veterans Emergency Management Evaluation Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, 16111 Plummer St. MS-152, North Hills, CA, 91343, USA
| | - Aram Dobalian
- Veterans Emergency Management Evaluation Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, 16111 Plummer St. MS-152, North Hills, CA, 91343, USA
- Division of Health Services Management and Policy, The Ohio State University College of Public Health, 202 Cunz Hall, 1841 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
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11
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Ogbonna O, Bull F, Spinks B, Williams D, Lewis R, Edwards A. Interventions to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 for people experiencing homelessness and their effectiveness: a systematic review. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1286730. [PMID: 38239803 PMCID: PMC10794490 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1286730] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives People experiencing homelessness also experience poorer clinical outcomes of COVID-19. Various interventions were implemented for people experiencing homelessness in 2020-2022 in different countries in response to varied national guidance to limit the impact of COVID-19. It is important to understand what was done and the effectiveness of such interventions. This systematic review aims to describe interventions to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 in people experiencing homelessness and their effectiveness. Methods A protocol was developed and registered in PROSPERO. Nine databases were searched for studies on interventions to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on people experiencing homelessness. Included studies were summarised with narrative synthesis. Results From 8,233 references retrieved from the database searches and handsearching, 15 were included. There was a variety of interventions, including early identification of potential COVID-19 infections, provision of isolation space, healthcare support, and urgent provision of housing regardless of COVID-19 infection. Conclusion The strategies identified were generally found to be effective, feasible, and transferable. This review must be interpreted with caution due to the low volume of eligible studies and the low quality of the evidence available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Obianuju Ogbonna
- Health and Care Research Evidence Centre, Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Francesca Bull
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Bethany Spinks
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Denitza Williams
- Health and Care Research Evidence Centre, Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Lewis
- North Wales Centre for Primary Care Research, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Edwards
- Health and Care Research Evidence Centre, Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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12
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Horvitz-Lennon M, Leckman-Westin E, Finnerty M, Jeong J, Tsuei J, Zelevinsky K, Chen Q, Normand SLT. Healthcare Access for a Diverse Population with Schizophrenia Following the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Community Ment Health J 2024; 60:72-80. [PMID: 37199854 PMCID: PMC10193305 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-023-01105-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on the most disadvantaged members of society, including minorities and those with disabling chronic illnesses such as schizophrenia. We examined the pandemic's impacts among New York State's Medicaid beneficiaries with schizophrenia in the immediate post-pandemic surge period, with a focus on equity of access to critical healthcare. We compared changes in utilization of key behavioral health outpatient services and inpatient services for life-threatening conditions between the pre-pandemic and surge periods for White and non-White beneficiaries. We found racial and ethnic differences across all outcomes, with most differences stable over time. The exception was pneumonia admissions-while no differences existed in the pre-pandemic period, Black and Latinx beneficiaries were less likely than Whites to be hospitalized in the surge period despite minorities' heavier COVID-19 disease burden. The emergence of racial and ethnic differences in access to scarce life-preserving healthcare may hold lessons for future crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Horvitz-Lennon
- RAND Corporation, 20 Park Plaza, Suite 920, Boston, MA, 02116, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance and Harvard Medical School, 1493 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
| | - Emily Leckman-Westin
- Office of Mental Health, New York State Department of Health, 44 Holland Avenue, Albany, NY, 12229, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1 University Pl, Rensselaer, NY, 12144, USA
| | - Molly Finnerty
- Office of Mental Health, New York State Department of Health, 44 Holland Avenue, Albany, NY, 12229, USA
| | - Junghye Jeong
- Office of Mental Health, New York State Department of Health, 44 Holland Avenue, Albany, NY, 12229, USA
| | - Jeannette Tsuei
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA, 90407, USA
| | - Katya Zelevinsky
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, 180 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Qingxian Chen
- Office of Mental Health, New York State Department of Health, 44 Holland Avenue, Albany, NY, 12229, USA
| | - Sharon-Lise T Normand
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, 180 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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13
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Gabet S, Thierry B, Wasfi R, Simonelli G, Hudon C, Lessard L, Dubé È, Nasri B, Kestens Y, Moullec G. How is the COVID-19 pandemic impacting our life, mental health, and well-being? Design and preliminary findings of the pan-Canadian longitudinal COHESION study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2401. [PMID: 38042782 PMCID: PMC10693083 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17297-w] [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] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person social interactions and opportunities for accessing resources that sustain health and well-being have drastically reduced. We therefore designed the pan-Canadian prospective COVID-19: HEalth and Social Inequities across Neighbourhoods (COHESION) cohort to provide a deeper understanding of how the COVID-19 pandemic context affects mental health and well-being, key determinants of health, and health inequities. METHODS This paper presents the design of the two-phase COHESION Study, and descriptive results from the first phase conducted between May 2020 and September 2021. During that period, the COHESION research platform collected monthly data linked to COVID-19 such as infection and vaccination status, perceptions and attitudes regarding pandemic-related measures, and information on participants' physical and mental health, well-being, sleep, loneliness, resilience, substances use, living conditions, social interactions, activities, and mobility. RESULTS The 1,268 people enrolled in the Phase 1 COHESION Study are for the most part from Ontario (47%) and Quebec (33%), aged 48 ± 16 years [mean ± standard deviation (SD)], and mainly women (78%), White (85%), with a university degree (63%), and living in large urban centers (70%). According to the 298 ± 68 (mean ± SD) prospective questionnaires completed each month on average, the first year of follow-up reveals significant temporal variations in standardized indexes of well-being, loneliness, anxiety, depression, and psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS The COHESION Study will allow identifying trajectories of mental health and well-being while investigating their determinants and how these may vary by subgroup, over time, and across different provinces in Canada, in varying context including the pandemic recovery period. Our findings will contribute valuable insights to the urban health field and inform future public health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Gabet
- Département de Médecine Sociale et Préventive, École de Santé publique de l'Université de Montréal (ESPUM), Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Université de Montréal (UdeM), Québec, QC, Canada
- Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, ULR 4483-IMPacts de l'Environnement Chimique sur la Santé (IMPECS), Lille, 59000, France
| | - Benoit Thierry
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Université de Montréal (UdeM), Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Rania Wasfi
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada / Government of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, ON, Canada
| | - Guido Simonelli
- Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal (UdeM), Québec, QC), Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Nord-de- l'Île-de-Montréal (CIUSSS-NIM), Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Catherine Hudon
- Département de Médecine de Famille et Médecine d'urgence, Université de Sherbrooke (UdeS), Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Lily Lessard
- Département des sciences de la santé, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche du CISSS de Chaudière-Appalaches, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Ève Dubé
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Université de Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Bouchra Nasri
- Département de Médecine Sociale et Préventive, École de Santé publique de l'Université de Montréal (ESPUM), Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Université de Montréal (UdeM), Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Yan Kestens
- Département de Médecine Sociale et Préventive, École de Santé publique de l'Université de Montréal (ESPUM), Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Université de Montréal (UdeM), Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Grégory Moullec
- Département de Médecine Sociale et Préventive, École de Santé publique de l'Université de Montréal (ESPUM), Québec, QC, Canada.
- Centre de Recherche du Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Nord-de- l'Île-de-Montréal (CIUSSS-NIM), Québec, QC, Canada.
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14
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Heinrich F, Rauch J, Bertram F, Kempf VAJ, Besier S, Kuta P, Renné T, Ondruschka B, Püschel K, Tappe D. Seroprevalence of arthropod-borne bacterial infections in homeless individuals in Hamburg in 2020. Infection 2023; 51:1819-1822. [PMID: 37289422 PMCID: PMC10665224 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-023-02059-y] [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] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The number of homeless people in Germany is steadily increasing. Due to their often precarious living conditions, this specific population may be increasingly exposed to ectoparasites that can transmit various pathogens. To assess the prevalence and thus the risk of such infections, we analyzed the seropositivity of rickettsiosis, Q fever, tularemia and bartonellosis in homeless individuals. METHODS A total of 147 homeless adults from nine shelters in Hamburg, Germany, were included. The individuals underwent questionnaire-based interviewing, physical examination, and venous blood was drawn between May and June 2020. Blood samples were analyzed for antibodies against rickettsiae (Rickettsia typhi and R. conorii), Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis and bartonellae. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION A very low seroprevalence of R. typhi and F. tularensis infection was found (0-1%), while antibodies against R. conorii and C. burnetii were more common (7% each), followed by a relatively high seroprevalence of 14% for bartonellosis. Q fever seroprevalence was associated with the country of origin, whereas bartonellosis seroprevalence was associated with the duration of homelessness. Preventive measures targeting ectoparasites, especially body lice, should be put in place continuously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Heinrich
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jessica Rauch
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine and National Reference Center for Tropical Pathogens, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Franziska Bertram
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Volkhard A J Kempf
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control and German Consiliary Laboratory for Bartonella, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Silke Besier
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control and German Consiliary Laboratory for Bartonella, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Piotr Kuta
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Renné
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Benjamin Ondruschka
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Püschel
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dennis Tappe
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine and National Reference Center for Tropical Pathogens, Hamburg, Germany
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15
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Mac-Seing M, Gidey M, Di Ruggiero E. COVID-19-related global health governance and population health priorities for health equity in G20 countries: a scoping review. Int J Equity Health 2023; 22:232. [PMID: 37924074 PMCID: PMC10625304 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-023-02045-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic, the promotion of health equity including the health of various population sub-groups has been compromised, human rights jeopardised, and social inequities further exacerbated. Citizens worldwide, including in the Group of 20 (G20) countries, were affected by both global health governance (GHG) processes and decisions and public health measures taken by governments to respond to COVID-19. While it is critical to swiftly respond to COVID-19, little is known about how and to what extent the GHG is affecting population health priorities for health equity in global economies such as the G20 countries. This scoping review synthesised and identified knowledge gaps on how the COVID-19-related GHG is affecting population health priorities for policy, programme, and research in G20 countries. We followed the five-stage scoping review methodology promoted by Arksey and O'Malley and the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. We searched four bibliographic databases for references conducted in G20 countries and regions and published in English and French, between January 2020 and April 2023. Out of 4,625 references and after two phases of screening, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria. G20 countries included in the review were Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, India, Italy, Japan, Russia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the European Union. We found insufficient collaboration and coordination and misalignment among governance actors at multiple levels. In most cases, equity considerations were not prioritised while unequal consequences of COVID-19 public health measures on population groups were widely reported. COVID-19-related population health priorities mainly focused on upstream and midstream determinants of health. Our scoping review showed the stark inequities of COVID-19 public health outcomes, coupled with a prevalent lack of coherent collaboration and coordination among governance actors. Moreover, governance as an object of empirical study is still emerging when examining its intersection with global health and population health policy, programme, and research. An urgent shift is required to effectively act upon structural health determinants that include transformative and comprehensive policies for prevention, equity, resilience, and sustainable health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muriel Mac-Seing
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada.
- Social and Behavioural Health Sciences Division & Centre for Global Health, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada.
| | - Meron Gidey
- Social and Behavioural Health Sciences Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Erica Di Ruggiero
- Social and Behavioural Health Sciences Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Social and Behavioural Health Sciences Division, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation & Centre for Global Health, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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16
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Tsai J, McCleery A, Wynn JK, Green MF. Unconditional Cash Transfers and Association With Clinical Outcomes Among U.S. Veterans With Psychosis or Recent Homelessness. Psychiatr Serv 2023; 74:1123-1131. [PMID: 37161346 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.20230021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Three rounds of stimulus checks were distributed to middle- and low-income U.S. adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. This 15-month longitudinal study examined rates of receipt of these stimulus checks, planned expenses, and associations with clinical outcomes among three veteran groups. METHODS In total, 158 veterans, consisting of 59 with a psychotic disorder, 49 recently homeless veterans, and a comparison group of 50 veterans without a history of psychosis or homelessness, were assessed five times between May 2020 and July 2021. Bivariate analyses were used to compare receipt of stimulus checks and planned expenses among the groups, and multivariable analyses examined how receipt of checks was related to mental health and substance use over time. RESULTS No group difference was found in receipt of stimulus checks, and 74%-84% of veterans reported receipt of more than one check. Most participants reported plans to use their stimulus checks to pay for bills, groceries, credit card debt, and rent or mortgage or to save the money. Over time, participants who received a greater number of stimulus checks reported significantly decreased symptoms of depression (B=-0.48) and anxiety (B=-0.84) and improved social functioning (B=0.24). For the recently homeless group, a greater number of stimulus checks received was associated with decreases in days of alcohol intoxication and drug use, but the reverse was found for the psychosis group. CONCLUSIONS Multiple short-term unconditional government cash transfers may improve mental and social functioning among vulnerable populations during major crises, a finding that contributes to the research literature and has policy implications for pandemic and emergency preparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Tsai
- National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Washington, D.C. (Tsai); School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston (Tsai); Department of Psychology, University of Iowa, Iowa City (McCleery); VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles (Wynn, Green); Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles (Wynn, Green)
| | - Amanda McCleery
- National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Washington, D.C. (Tsai); School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston (Tsai); Department of Psychology, University of Iowa, Iowa City (McCleery); VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles (Wynn, Green); Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles (Wynn, Green)
| | - Jonathan K Wynn
- National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Washington, D.C. (Tsai); School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston (Tsai); Department of Psychology, University of Iowa, Iowa City (McCleery); VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles (Wynn, Green); Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles (Wynn, Green)
| | - Michael F Green
- National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Washington, D.C. (Tsai); School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston (Tsai); Department of Psychology, University of Iowa, Iowa City (McCleery); VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles (Wynn, Green); Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles (Wynn, Green)
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17
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Michinaka M, Sai A, Yamauchi T. Impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of men experiencing homelessness: A cross-sectional study in Osaka, Japan. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292377. [PMID: 37847683 PMCID: PMC10581486 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus infectious disease (COVID-19) pandemic has negatively impacted not only our physical health but also mental health, including increasing depressive and anxiety symptoms. In particular, socially and physically vulnerable populations, such as people experiencing homelessness (PEH), may be more likely to have their mental health worsened by the pandemic due to having more difficulty meeting basic human needs. Therefore, this study aims to assess the impact of COVID-19 on mental health of the homeless in Japan by evaluating depressive and anxiety symptoms and identifying the associated factors particularly, sociodemographic variables as age, employment status and the fear and perceived risk of COVID-19 infection. A cross-sectional interview survey among 158 PEH in Osaka Prefecture was conducted from April to May 2022. The survey included sociodemographic questions and history and perceived risk of infection with COVID-19. Depressive symptoms were measured using the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and anxiety symptoms using the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and the fear of COVID-19 using the seven-item Fear of New Coronavirus Scale (FCV-19S). In this study, the prevalence of depression (PHQ-9≥10) was 38.6%, anxiety disorder (GAD≥10) was 19.0%, and high fear of COVID-19 (FCV-19S≥19) was 28.5%. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that PEH in younger age groups (18-34 years), and with joblessness, higher perceived infection risk, and higher fear of COVID-19 were more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety (p<0.05). These results indicate that the younger PEHs with worsened economic conditions and therefore, feel threatened by COVID-19 the pandemic are at higher risk of mental health deterioration. More focused research and mental health services need to be provided to this population in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Michinaka
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Akira Sai
- Global Station for Indigenous Studies and Cultural Diversity, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Taro Yamauchi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
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18
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Liang Y, Sun Q, Liu Q, Pang Y, Tang S. SARS-CoV-2 incidence, seroprevalence, and COVID-19 vaccination coverage in the homeless population: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1044788. [PMID: 37900041 PMCID: PMC10600393 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1044788] [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: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination of homeless people are a serious public health concern during COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to systematically assess SARS-CoV-2 incidence, seroprevalence, and COVID-19 vaccination coverage in homeless people, which are important to inform resource allocation and policy adjustment for the prevention and control of COVID-19. Methods We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and the World Health Organization COVID-19 database for the studies of SARS-CoV-2 incidence, seroprevalence, and COVID-19 vaccination coverage in the homeless population. Subgroup analyses were conducted to pool SARS-CoV-2 incidence and seroprevalence in sheltered homeless, unsheltered homeless, and mixed population, respectively. Potential sources of heterogeneity in the estimates were explored by meta-regression analysis. Results Forty-nine eligible studies with a total of 75,402 homeless individuals and 5,000 shelter staff were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 10% (95% CI: 7 to 12%) in the homeless population and 8% (5 to 12%) for shelter staff. In addition, the overall estimated SARS-CoV-2 specific seroprevalence was 19% (8 to 33%) for homeless populations and 22% (3 to 52%) for shelter staff, respectively. Moreover, for the homeless subjects, the pooled incidence was 10% (4 to 23%) for asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections, 6% (1 to 12%) for symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections, 3% (1 to 4%) for hospitalization for COVID-19, and 1% (0 to 2%) for severe COVID-19 cases, respectively while no COVID-19-related death was reported. Furthermore, the data derived from 12 included studies involving 225,448 homeless individuals revealed that the pooled proportion of one dose COVID-19 vaccination was 41% (35 to 47%), which was significantly lower than those in the general population. Conclusion Our study results indicate that the homeless people remain highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, but COVID-19 vaccination coverage was lower than the general population, underscoring the need for prioritizing vaccine deployment and implementing enhanced preventive measures targeting this vulnerable group.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Shixing Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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19
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Galarneau LR, Speed K, Taylor M, Hyshka E. Operating an overdose prevention site within a temporary emergency shelter during the COVID-19 pandemic. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2023; 114:787-795. [PMID: 37462841 PMCID: PMC10486343 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-023-00803-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
SETTING A temporary emergency shelter was established inside the Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Alberta, to reduce COVID-19 transmission and mitigate health risks among people experiencing homelessness. INTERVENTION A non-profit organization, Boyle Street Community Services, opened an overdose prevention site (OPS) between February and March 2022 inside the temporary emergency shelter. People accessed the shelter-based OPS to consume unregulated drugs (via injection, intranasally, or orally), receive medical aid, access sterile drug use equipment, and be connected to additional health and social supports, without leaving the shelter. We conducted short interviewer-administered surveys with OPS participants to examine participant views and identify suggested improvements. OUTCOMES The shelter-based OPS was accessed a total of 1346 times by 174 unique people. Fentanyl was the most common self-reported drug consumed (59%) and most consumption (99% of episodes) was by injection. OPS staff responded to 66 overdoses and reported no deaths. Survey respondents reported that the shelter-based OPS was convenient, with no need to forfeit their shelter spot or find transportation to another OPS. Respondents indicated that the OPS felt safe and accessible and reported that it reduced drug use in other shelter areas. Participants identified the OPS' exclusion of inhalation as a limitation. IMPLICATIONS People who use unregulated drugs and are experiencing homelessness are at a higher risk of negative health outcomes, which COVID-19 exacerbated. Integrating temporary shelter/housing and harm reduction services may be an innovative way to lower barriers, increase accessibility, and improve well-being for this structurally vulnerable population. Future operators should consider incorporating inhalation services to further reduce service gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lexis R Galarneau
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Inner City Health and Wellness Program, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- George Spady Society, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kelsey Speed
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Inner City Health and Wellness Program, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Marliss Taylor
- Boyle Street Community Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Elaine Hyshka
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
- Inner City Health and Wellness Program, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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Ogbonna O, Bull F, Spinks B, Williams D, Lewis R, Edwards A. The Impact of Being Homeless on the Clinical Outcomes of COVID-19: Systematic Review. Int J Public Health 2023; 68:1605893. [PMID: 37780134 PMCID: PMC10540688 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1605893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: The homeless population experiences inequality in health compared with the general population, which may have widened during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the impact of being homeless on the outcomes of COVID-19 is uncertain. This systematic review aimed to analyse the impact of experiencing homelessness on the clinical outcomes of COVID-19, including the effects on health inequalities. Methods: A review protocol was developed and registered in PROSPERO (PROSPERO registration 2022 CRD42022304941). Nine databases were searched in November 2022 to identify studies on homeless populations which contained primary research on the following outcomes of COVID-19: incidence, hospitalisation, mortality, long COVID, mental wellbeing, and evidence of inequalities. Included studies were summarised with narrative synthesis. Results: The searches yielded 8,233 initial hits; after screening, 41 studies were included. Overall, evidence showed that those in crowded living settings had a higher risk of COVID-19 infection compared to rough sleepers and the general population. The homeless population had higher rates of hospitalisation and mortality than the general population, lower vaccination rates, and suffered negative mental health impacts. Conclusion: This systematic review shows the homeless population is more susceptible to COVID-19 outcomes. Further research is needed to determine the actual impact of the pandemic on this population, and of interventions to mitigate overall risk, given the low certainty of findings from some of the low-quality evidence available. In addition, further research is required to ascertain the impact of long COVID on those experiencing homelessness, since the present review yielded no studies on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Obianuju Ogbonna
- Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre, Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Francesca Bull
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Bethany Spinks
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Denitza Williams
- Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre, Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Lewis
- North Wales Centre for Primary Care Research, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Edwards
- Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre, Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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21
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Loubiere S, Hafrad I, Monfardini E, Mosnier M, Bosetti T, Auquier P, Mosnier E, Tinland A. Morbidity and mortality in a prospective cohort of people who were homeless during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1233020. [PMID: 37780443 PMCID: PMC10536263 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1233020] [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: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Certain living conditions, such as homelessness, increase health risks in epidemic situations. We conducted a prospective observational cohort study to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on morbidity and mortality in adult people who were homeless. Methods The study population comprised around 40% of the entire population experiencing homelessness in Marseille. They were enrolled at 48 different locations during the first pandemic wave (June to August 2020) and were followed up 3 and 6 months later. Rapid serological screening for SARS-CoV-2 was performed by community outreach teams at each follow-up, who also conducted interviews. Death registers and hospital administrative databases were consulted. Results A total of 1,332 participants [mean age 40.1 years [SD 14.2], women 339 (29.9%)] were enrolled in the cohort. Of these, 192 (14.4%) participants were found positive for COVID-19 and were propensity score matched (1:3) and compared with 553 non-COVID-19 cases. Living in emergency shelters was associated with COVID-19 infection. While 56.3% of the COVID-19-infected cohort reported no symptoms, 25.0% were hospitalized due to the severity of the disease. Presence of three or more pre-existing comorbidities was associated with all-cause hospitalization. Among COVID-19 cases, only older age was associated with COVID-19 hospitalization. Three deaths occurred in the cohort, two of which were among the COVID-19 cases. Conclusion The study provides new evidence that the population experiencing homelessness faces higher risks of infection and hospitalization due to COVID-19 than the general population. Despite the efforts of public authorities, the health inequities experienced by people who are homeless remained major. More intensive and appropriate integrated care and earlier re-housing are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandrine Loubiere
- Department of Clinical Research and Innovation, Support Unit for Clinical Research and Economic Evaluation, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Marseille, Marseille, France
- CEReSS – Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, EA 3279: CEReSS – Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, School of medicine – La Timone Medical Campus, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Ikrame Hafrad
- Department of Clinical Research and Innovation, Support Unit for Clinical Research and Economic Evaluation, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Elisabetta Monfardini
- Department of Psychiatry, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Marine Mosnier
- Médecins du Monde – Doctors of the World, Marseille, France
| | - Thomas Bosetti
- Médecins du Monde – Doctors of the World, Marseille, France
| | - Pascal Auquier
- Department of Clinical Research and Innovation, Support Unit for Clinical Research and Economic Evaluation, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Marseille, Marseille, France
- CEReSS – Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, EA 3279: CEReSS – Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, School of medicine – La Timone Medical Campus, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Emilie Mosnier
- INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Aurélie Tinland
- CEReSS – Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, EA 3279: CEReSS – Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, School of medicine – La Timone Medical Campus, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
- Department of Psychiatry, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Marseille, Marseille, France
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22
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Lee S, Park J, Lee JR, Lee JY, Kim BS, Won CW, Lee H, Kim S. The Risk Factors of COVID-19 Infection and Mortality among Older Adults in South Korea. Ann Geriatr Med Res 2023; 27:241-249. [PMID: 37635674 PMCID: PMC10556714 DOI: 10.4235/agmr.23.0105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and mortality among older adults in South Korea. METHODS Using Korean National Health Insurance data from January 1, 2020, to March 31, 2022, we analyzed the impact of various factors, including age, comorbidity burden, and insurance type, on COVID-19 infection and mortality rates. RESULTS Age was the most significant risk factor for mortality in older adults. A higher comorbidity burden was also associated with increased infection (odds ratio [OR]=1.33 for Charlson Comorbidity Index [CCI] ≥2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.321-1.339) and mortality (OR=1.537 for CCI ≥2, 95% CI 1.459-1.618) rates. While Medical Aid recipients exhibited lower infection rates (OR=0.898, 95% CI 0.89-0.906) than National Health Insurance beneficiaries, they had higher mortality rates (OR=1.692, 95% CI 1.623-1.763). CONCLUSION These results emphasized the need to prioritize vaccination and allocate healthcare resources for older adults, particularly those with multiple comorbidities. Addressing socioeconomic disparities and ensuring equitable access to testing and healthcare services are crucial for mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungmin Lee
- Department of Family Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jungha Park
- Department of Family Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-ryun Lee
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Jin Yong Lee
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Public Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- HIRA Research Institute, Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service, Wonju, Korea
| | - Byung sung Kim
- Department of Family Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chang Won Won
- Department of Family Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyejin Lee
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Sunyoung Kim
- Department of Family Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
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23
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Zeien J, Vieira J, Hanna J, Ramirez A, Miller C, Hartmark-Hill J, Rosales C. Utilization of street-based COVID-19 vaccination clinics in Phoenix's homeless population. COMMUNITY HEALTH EQUITY RESEARCH & POLICY 2023:2752535X231196415. [PMID: 37635377 DOI: 10.1177/2752535x231196415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
The novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a highly contagious viral illness that has caused the most significant global health crisis in recent human history. Individuals experiencing homelessness represent one of the more vulnerable populations for COVID-19 infection and morbidity. Amongst individuals experiencing homelessness in Phoenix, a student-led interprofessional organization called Street Medicine Phoenix (SMP) sought to both reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission and morbidity/mortality related to infection. Through collaborations with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health and various community organizations, SMP developed a format for street-based vaccination clinics. SMP deployed these clinics on numerous occasions to the streets directly surrounding the community homeless shelter, allowing SMP to vaccinate individuals directly in their encampments. Through SMP's efforts starting in February 2021, 400 individuals experiencing homelessness have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine. Challenges encountered included low health literacy, lack of established rapport and trust, low vaccine confidence, difficulty verifying patients' vaccination status, difficulty obtaining sufficient information from patients to create a record in the Arizona State Immunization Information System (ASIIS), monitoring patients post-vaccination, transporting vaccine supplies from encampment to encampment, and lack of patient awareness of the mobile vaccine clinic services. Despite challenges, SMP's outreach efforts have demonstrated the feasibility and importance of mobile public health services to reach homeless encampments, particularly mobile vaccination clinics in response to disease outbreaks, and the necessity of strategic partnerships with community agencies to effectively meet the needs of underserved populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Zeien
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jaime Vieira
- University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Jeffery Hanna
- University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Alma Ramirez
- University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Catherine Miller
- University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | | | - Cecilia Rosales
- University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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24
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Thomas I, Mackie P. Assessing the coverage and timeliness of coronavirus vaccination among people experiencing homelessness in Wales, UK: a population-level data-linkage study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1494. [PMID: 37543593 PMCID: PMC10403942 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16432-x] [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] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People experiencing homelessness have elevated morbidity, increasing their risk of COVID-19 related complications and mortality. Achieving high vaccination coverage in a timely manner among homeless populations was therefore important during the mass vaccination programme in Wales to limit adverse outcomes. However, no systematic monitoring of vaccinations among people experiencing homelessness in Wales has been undertaken. METHODS Retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using de-identified administrative data. Study cohort members were adults (≥ 18 years old) living in Wales on the 2 December 2020 and who had recently experienced homelessness, defined as experiencing homelessness between 1 July 2020 and 2 December 2020. The outcome of interest was first coronavirus vaccine dose. Follow-up started on 2 December 2020, and ended if the participant died, had a break in address history > 30 days, reached the end of follow up (30 November 2021), or had the outcome of interest. Median-time-to-vaccination was used as a crude measure of 'timeliness' of vaccine uptake. To account for competing risk of death prior to vaccination, vaccine coverage was described using cumulative incidence at 350-days, and at 50-day increments over follow-up (2 December 2020 to 17 November 2021). As a benchmark, all time-to-event measures were generated for the adult population in Wales with similar baseline individual and residential characteristics as the study cohort. RESULTS 1,595 people with recent experiences of homelessness were identified and included in analysis. The study cohort were disproportionately male (68.8%) and concentrated in the most deprived areas in Wales. Median time-to-vaccination for the study cohort was 196 days (95% CI.: 184-209 days), compared to 141 days (95% CI.: 141-141 days) among the matched adult population in Wales. Cumulative incidence of vaccination after 350-days of follow-up was 60.4% (95% CI.: 57.8-62.8%) among the study cohort, compared to 81.4% (95% CI.: 81.3-81.5%) among the matched adult population. Visual analysis of cumulative incidence over time suggests that vaccine inequality, i.e., difference between study cohort and matched adult population, peaked after 200-days of follow-up, and declined slightly until last follow-up at 350-days. CONCLUSIONS Despite being prioritised for vaccination, people experiencing homelessness in Wales appear to have been under-engaged, leading to lower vaccination coverage and greater time unvaccinated, potentially increasing their risk of COVID-19 complications and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Thomas
- Administrative Data Research Wales/Cardiff University, School of Social Sciences, SPARK, Maindy Road, CF24 4HQ, Cardiff, UK.
| | - Peter Mackie
- Cardiff University, School of Geography and Planning, Glamorgan Building, King Edward VII Avenue, CF10 3WA, Cardiff, UK
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25
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Chan SM, Wong H, Chen Y, Tang MYV. Determinants of depression and anxiety in homeless people: A population survey of homeless people in Hong Kong. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2023; 69:1145-1156. [PMID: 36734241 DOI: 10.1177/00207640231152208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are growing concerns about the homeless and mental health issues globally. This study aims to examine the mental health situation of homelessness and the determinants of anxiety and depression of them in Hong Kong. METHOD The data from the largest territory-wide study of the homeless population in 2021 was analyzed. Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions were used to investigate the association between mental health and socioeconomic variables, including demographic background, economic indicators, COVID-19 worries, government measures, and respect by others. The symptoms of depression and anxiety were assessed using Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) and General Anxiety Disorder (GAD). RESULTS The results showed that being female, food insecurity, and chronic diseases were the risk factors for anxiety and depression. A high level of respect by others was the protective factor for depression (adjusted OR 0.37, 95% CI [0.23, 0.61]) and anxiety (adjusted OR 0.40, 95% CI [0.24, 0.68]), compared to a low level of respect in the multivariate model. CONCLUSIONS Providing medical outreach services, additional resources for social services, implementation of homeless-friendly policies, and a progressive supply of public and transitional housing would help enhance the well-being of the homeless population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siu-Ming Chan
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hung Wong
- Department of Social Work, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yikang Chen
- Department of Educational Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mun-Yu Vera Tang
- Asia-Pacific Institute of Ageing Studies, Lingnan University, Hong Kong SAR, China
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26
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Eger WH, Suttiratana SC, Herbst RL, Behringer H, Ibrahim E, Jones BA. Disparities in COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among a diverse community-based sample in Connecticut, United States. Prev Med Rep 2023; 34:102263. [PMID: 37252068 PMCID: PMC10207837 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Though vaccination is among our strongest tools to prevent COVID-19 infections, its delivery has proven challenging. At a time when COVID-19 cases were rapidly increasing in the Northeast, we examined the role of sociodemographic factors, social determinants of health (SDOH), and health-related beliefs, including conspiracy theories, in influencing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among a diverse sample of Connecticut (United States) residents. Between August and December 2020, utilizing community partners and advertisements via social media, we surveyed communities known to be most impacted by COVID-19. We used descriptive analysis and multivariable logistic regression to examine vaccine hesitancy. Among 252 participants, most were female (69.8%) and under the age of 55 (62.7%). Approximately one-third reported household incomes less than $30,000 per year and 23.5% were non-Hispanic Black and 17.5% were Hispanic/Latinx. While 38.9% of participants were vaccine hesitant, non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic/Latinx participants were more vaccine hesitant (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.62; 95% CI 1.77, 7.40) compared to non-Hispanic Whites/Others. Additional factors associated with vaccine hesitancy after adjustment for socioeconomic status and barriers related to SDOH included low perceived risk of COVID-19 and not receiving COVID-19 information from medical institutions and community health workers (p < 0.05). Race/ethnicity, perceived risk, sources of health information, and conspiracy beliefs played a significant role in vaccine hesitancy among this diverse sample. Interventions to promote vaccination should include trusted messengers and sources of information, while long term efforts should focus on addressing the social conditions that deter confidence in scientific data, vaccine efficacy, and the healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H Eger
- San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
- University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Sakinah C Suttiratana
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Roy L Herbst
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | - Eiman Ibrahim
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Beth A Jones
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
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27
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Mühlbauer JE, Moreira-de-Oliveira ME, Ribeiro AP, de-Salles-Andrade JB, Hühne V, de Faro LFT, Félix-da-Silva C, de Menezes GB, Fontenelle LF. Assessing Adherence to Vaccination, Social Distancing and Other Preventive Behaviors by Patients With Mental Disorders in the Context Of Covid-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review Protocol. CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHIATRY 2023; 20:288-292. [PMID: 37791088 PMCID: PMC10544247 DOI: 10.36131/cnfioritieditore20230408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as a worldwide public health crisis, leading to significant disruptions in societal behaviors and norms. Within the affected population, individuals with mental health disorders are considered a vulnerable group, experiencing higher infection rates and poorer outcomes. These adverse outcomes can be attributed to various factors, including inadequate adherence to vaccination and other preventive measures. To address this issue, this study aims to present the research protocol for a scoping review that will comprehensively examine the literature on the adherence of individuals with mental disorders to preventive behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The scoping review will adhere to the methodological guidelines outlined by the Joanna Briggs Institute and will be reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. A comprehensive search for published literature containing original data will be conducted in the Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases. The search strategy will be developed based on the Population, Concept, and Context inclusion criteria. Two authors will independently screen titles, abstracts, and full texts for inclusion and extract relevant data. The findings of the review will be presented using descriptive statistics, including tables, charts, and flow diagrams, to elucidate the key concepts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia E. Mühlbauer
- Obsessive, Compulsive, and Anxiety Spectrum Research Program, Institute of Psychiatry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)
| | - Maria E. Moreira-de-Oliveira
- Obsessive, Compulsive, and Anxiety Spectrum Research Program, Institute of Psychiatry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)
- D’Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro
| | - Ana P. Ribeiro
- Obsessive, Compulsive, and Anxiety Spectrum Research Program, Institute of Psychiatry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)
| | | | - Veronica Hühne
- Obsessive, Compulsive, and Anxiety Spectrum Research Program, Institute of Psychiatry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)
| | - Livi F. Testoni de Faro
- Obsessive, Compulsive, and Anxiety Spectrum Research Program, Institute of Psychiatry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)
| | - Carina Félix-da-Silva
- Obsessive, Compulsive, and Anxiety Spectrum Research Program, Institute of Psychiatry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)
| | - Gabriela B. de Menezes
- Obsessive, Compulsive, and Anxiety Spectrum Research Program, Institute of Psychiatry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)
- D’Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro
| | - Leonardo F. Fontenelle
- Obsessive, Compulsive, and Anxiety Spectrum Research Program, Institute of Psychiatry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)
- D’Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro
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28
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Ali F, Kaura A, Russell C, Bonn M, Bruneau J, Dasgupta N, Imtiaz S, Martel-Laferrière V, Rehm J, Shahin R, Elton-Marshall T. Identifying barriers and facilitators to COVID-19 vaccination uptake among People Who Use Drugs in Canada: a National Qualitative Study. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:99. [PMID: 37516836 PMCID: PMC10387201 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00826-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) have lower vaccination uptake than the general population, and disproportionately experience the burden of harms from vaccine-preventable diseases. We conducted a national qualitative study to: (1) identify the barriers and facilitators to receiving COVID-19 vaccinations among PWUD; and (2) identify interventions to support PWUD in their decision-making. METHODS Between March and October 2022, semi-structured interviews with PWUD across Canada were conducted. Fully vaccinated (2 or more doses) and partially or unvaccinated (1 dose or less) participants were recruited from a convenience sample to participate in telephone interviews to discuss facilitators, barriers, and concerns about receiving COVID-19 vaccines and subsequent boosters, and ways to address concerns. A total of 78 PWUD participated in the study, with 50 participants being fully vaccinated and 28 participants partially or unvaccinated. Using thematic analysis, interviews were coded based on the capability, opportunity, and motivation-behavior (COM-B) framework. RESULTS Many partially or unvaccinated participants reported lacking knowledge about the COVID-19 vaccine, particularly in terms of its usefulness and benefits. Some participants reported lacking knowledge around potential long-term side effects of the vaccine, and the differences of the various vaccine brands. Distrust toward government and healthcare agencies, the unprecedented rapidity of vaccine development and skepticism of vaccine effectiveness were also noted as barriers. Facilitators for vaccination included a desire to protect oneself or others and compliance with government mandates which required individuals to get vaccinated in order to access services, attend work or travel. To improve vaccination uptake, the most trusted and appropriate avenues for vaccination information sharing were identified by participants to be people with lived and living experience with drug use (PWLLE), harm reduction workers, or healthcare providers working within settings commonly visited by PWUD. CONCLUSION PWLLE should be supported to design tailored information to reduce barriers and address mistrust. Resources addressing knowledge gaps should be disseminated in areas and through organizations where PWUD frequently access, such as harm reduction services and social media platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farihah Ali
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Toronto, Canada.
- Ontario CRISM Node Team (OCRINT), IMHPR, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Room 2035, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Ashima Kaura
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Toronto, Canada
| | - Cayley Russell
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Toronto, Canada
- Ontario CRISM Node Team (OCRINT), IMHPR, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Room 2035, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Canada
| | - Matthew Bonn
- Canadian Association of People Who Use Drugs, Dartmouth, NS, Canada
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint-Denis Street, Montreal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Boul, Edouard-Montpetit, Montreal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Nabarun Dasgupta
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sameer Imtiaz
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Toronto, Canada
| | - Valérie Martel-Laferrière
- Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jürgen Rehm
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Toronto, Canada
- Ontario CRISM Node Team (OCRINT), IMHPR, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Room 2035, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, & Institute of Medical Science (IMS), Toronto, Canada
- 1 King's College Circle, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), 1001 Queen St. West, Toronto, ON, M6J 1H4, Canada
- Institut Für Klinische Psychologie Und Psychotherapie, Technische Universität Dresden, Chemnitzer Str. 46, 01187, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Center for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research (ZIS), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Tara Elton-Marshall
- Ontario CRISM Node Team (OCRINT), IMHPR, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Room 2035, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
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van Rüth V, Hajek A, Heinrich F, Ondruschka B, Püschel K, Bertram F. [Health of homeless individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2023:10.1007/s00103-023-03739-8. [PMID: 37466653 PMCID: PMC10372111 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-023-03739-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
The living situation and health of homeless people differs from the general population in many ways. It is reasonable to assume that the homeless population has been particularly vulnerable during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This narrative review will summarize the current literature on the health and care of homeless people during the COVID-19 pandemic. The literature research was performed between December 2022 and February 2023. In addition to the current national and international literature, findings from the "National Survey on the Psychiatric and Somatic Health of Homeless Individuals" (NAPSHI study) will be synopsized, examining psychiatric and somatic diseases as well as the care for homeless people in Germany.Homeless individuals are often mentally and physically ill and have limited access to the regular medical care system. Facilities with group rooms and dormitories pose a risk for outbreaks during the COVID-19 pandemic. As suspected, evidence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Type 2 (SARS-CoV‑2) infections emerged more frequently in homeless individuals than in the general population during the pandemic. Many of the infected individuals were asymptomatic. High rates of those unknowingly infected homeless individuals may have contributed to the spread of the viral disease. However, uncontrolled COVID-19 outbreaks, as feared by some researchers at the beginning of the pandemic, were not observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria van Rüth
- Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Butenfeld 34, 22529, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - André Hajek
- Institut für Gesundheitsökonomie und Versorgungsforschung, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Deutschland, Martinistr. 52, 20246
| | - Fabian Heinrich
- Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Butenfeld 34, 22529, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - Benjamin Ondruschka
- Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Butenfeld 34, 22529, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - Klaus Püschel
- Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Butenfeld 34, 22529, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - Franziska Bertram
- Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Butenfeld 34, 22529, Hamburg, Deutschland.
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Romanowski B, Ben Abacha A, Fan Y. Extracting social determinants of health from clinical note text with classification and sequence-to-sequence approaches. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2023; 30:1448-1455. [PMID: 37100768 PMCID: PMC10354779 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocad071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Social determinants of health (SDOH) are nonmedical factors that can influence health outcomes. This paper seeks to extract SDOH from clinical texts in the context of the National NLP Clinical Challenges (n2c2) 2022 Track 2 Task. MATERIALS AND METHODS Annotated and unannotated data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III) corpus, the Social History Annotation Corpus, and an in-house corpus were used to develop 2 deep learning models that used classification and sequence-to-sequence (seq2seq) approaches. RESULTS The seq2seq approach had the highest overall F1 scores in the challenge's 3 subtasks: 0.901 on the extraction subtask, 0.774 on the generalizability subtask, and 0.889 on the learning transfer subtask. DISCUSSION Both approaches rely on SDOH event representations that were designed to be compatible with transformer-based pretrained models, with the seq2seq representation supporting an arbitrary number of overlapping and sentence-spanning events. Models with adequate performance could be produced quickly, and the remaining mismatch between representation and task requirements was then addressed in postprocessing. The classification approach used rules to generate entity relationships from its sequence of token labels, while the seq2seq approach used constrained decoding and a constraint solver to recover entity text spans from its sequence of potentially ambiguous tokens. CONCLUSION We proposed 2 different approaches to extract SDOH from clinical texts with high accuracy. However, accuracy suffers on text from new healthcare institutions not present in the training data, and thus generalization remains an important topic for future study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yadan Fan
- Nuance Communications, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
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31
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Rogers JH, Cox SN, Link AC, Nwanne G, Han PD, Pfau B, Chow EJ, Wolf CR, Boeckh M, Hughes JP, Halloran ME, Uyeki TM, Shim MM, Duchin J, Englund JA, Mosites E, Rolfes MA, Starita LA, Chu HY. Incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated risk factors among staff and residents at homeless shelters in King County, Washington: an active surveillance study. Epidemiol Infect 2023; 151:e129. [PMID: 37424310 PMCID: PMC10540173 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268823001036] [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] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Homeless shelter residents and staff may be at higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, SARS-CoV-2 infection estimates in this population have been reliant on cross-sectional or outbreak investigation data. We conducted routine surveillance and outbreak testing in 23 homeless shelters in King County, Washington, to estimate the occurrence of laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and risk factors during 1 January 2020-31 May 2021. Symptom surveys and nasal swabs were collected for SARS-CoV-2 testing by RT-PCR for residents aged ≥3 months and staff. We collected 12,915 specimens from 2,930 unique participants. We identified 4.74 (95% CI 4.00-5.58) SARS-CoV-2 infections per 100 individuals (residents: 4.96, 95% CI 4.12-5.91; staff: 3.86, 95% CI 2.43-5.79). Most infections were asymptomatic at the time of detection (74%) and detected during routine surveillance (73%). Outbreak testing yielded higher test positivity than routine surveillance (2.7% versus 0.9%). Among those infected, residents were less likely to report symptoms than staff. Participants who were vaccinated against seasonal influenza and were current smokers had lower odds of having an infection detected. Active surveillance that includes SARS-CoV-2 testing of all persons is essential in ascertaining the true burden of SARS-CoV-2 infections among residents and staff of congregate settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia H. Rogers
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sarah N. Cox
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Amy C. Link
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Gift Nwanne
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Peter D. Han
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Brian Pfau
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Eric J. Chow
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Caitlin R. Wolf
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael Boeckh
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - James P. Hughes
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - M. Elizabeth Halloran
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Timothy M. Uyeki
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - M. Mia Shim
- Public Health – Seattle & King County, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Duchin
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Public Health – Seattle & King County, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Janet A. Englund
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Emily Mosites
- Office of the Deputy Director for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Melissa A. Rolfes
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lea A. Starita
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Helen Y. Chu
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Rogers JH, Hawes SE, Wolf CR, Hughes JP, Englund JA, Starita LM, Chu HY. Care-seeking correlates of acute respiratory illness among sheltered adults experiencing homelessness in Seattle, WA, 2019: a community-based cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1090148. [PMID: 37408748 PMCID: PMC10319010 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1090148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Multifarious barriers to accessing healthcare services among people experiencing homelessness (PEH) lead to delays in seeking care for acute infections, including those caused by respiratory viruses. PEH are at high risk of acute respiratory illness (ARI)-related complications, especially in shelter settings that may facilitate virus spread, yet data characterizing healthcare utilization for ARI episodes among sheltered PEH remained limited. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of viral respiratory infection among adult residents at two homeless shelters in Seattle, Washington between January and May 2019. We assessed factors associated with seeking medical care for ARI via self-report. We collected illness questionnaires and nasal swabs were tested for respiratory viruses by reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). Results We observed 825 encounters from 649 unique participants; 241 (29.2%) encounters reported seeking healthcare for their ARI episode. Seasonal influenza vaccine receipt (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 1.39, 95% CI 1.02-1.88), having health insurance (aPR 2.77, 95% CI 1.27-6.02), chronic lung conditions (aPR 1.55, 95% CI 1.12-2.15), and experiencing influenza-like-illness symptoms (aPR 1.63, 95% CI 1.20 - 2.20) were associated with increased likelihood of seeking care. Smoking (aPR 0.65, 95% CI 0.45-0.92) was associated with decreased likelihood of seeking care. Discussion Findings suggest that care seeking for viral respiratory illness among PEH may be supported by prior engagement with primary healthcare services. Strategies to increase healthcare utilization may lead to earlier detection of respiratory viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia H. Rogers
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Stephen E. Hawes
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Caitlin R. Wolf
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - James P. Hughes
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Janet A. Englund
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Lea M. Starita
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Helen Y. Chu
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Long F, Evans J. "Doing What We Can with What We Have": Examining the Role of Local Government in Poverty Management during the COVID-19 Pandemic. GEOFORUM; JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL, HUMAN, AND REGIONAL GEOSCIENCES 2023:103812. [PMID: 37359314 PMCID: PMC10277843 DOI: 10.1016/j.geoforum.2023.103812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
With the dawn of the COVID-19 pandemic and concern regarding the subsequent vulnerabilities of houseless populations, countries have sought to adapt and enhance emergency housing policies with a view of better protecting this population. Drawing on the poverty management perspective, this article focuses on local government and its role in managing houselessness during the COVID-19 pandemic. It achieves this by treating local council meetings as sites of problematization, in which the management of houselessness is rationalized and solutions negotiated. We transcribed local council meetings in Bristol, England and Edmonton, Canada, for an 18-month period from March 2020. Our analysis found that a common set of 'problem spaces' - systems, strategic opportunism and power - were evoked by municipal officials in both cities. Under the umbrella of 'doing what we can', local councils: conceptualized houselessness as complex and systemic; identified what does and does not work; discussed jurisdictional limitations and their impact; and defended new forms of accommodation. Significantly, despite the discursive desire to 'build back better', and a slightly rebalanced poverty management landscape in terms of care and control, local governments alone were unable to end houselessness within the post-COVID city.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Long
- Cardiff School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University
| | - Joshua Evans
- Department of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta
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Sánchez-Valdivia N, Barbaglia MG, Olivella-Cirici M, Girona Marcos N, Gotsens M, Garrido Albaina A, Rius C, Bartroli M, Pérez G. Community outbreak of COVID-19 among people who use drugs attending a harm reduction centre in Barcelona, Spain. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:74. [PMID: 37316829 PMCID: PMC10264877 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00804-y] [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] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic particularly affected the health of vulnerable population, such as people who use drugs. Due to compromised baseline health status, certain drug uses and settings and socioeconomic deprivation related to poverty and homelessness, drug users faced higher risk of COVID-19 infection. They had difficulty in adhering to the public health measures (i.e. physical distancing, hand hygiene and mask use). Also, the struggle to implement non-pharmaceutical actions (i.e. test-trace-isolate-quarantine strategy) among SARS-COV-2-infected drug users and their close contacts challenged the public health response. Therefore, this study aimed to describe a community COVID-19 outbreak and its approach among drug users of a harm reduction programme in an outpatient drug treatment centre in Barcelona, Spain. METHODS We conducted an observational descriptive study of an outbreak of COVID-19 among people who use drugs attending the harm reduction programme of an outpatient drug treatment centre in the city of Barcelona, between July and October 2021 (n = 440). A passive search for cases was carried out with rapid antigens tests targeting symptomatic users who attended the facilities. RESULTS Nineteen positive COVID-19 cases were identified among symptomatic drug users, between July and October 2021, with an attack rate of 4.3%. Specific measures were taken to control the outbreak, such as offering accommodation to self-isolate in a low-threshold residential resource to homeless drug users who tested positive and intensifying the vaccination strategy. The management of the outbreak was carried out in close collaboration between the outpatient centre and the main public health stakeholders in the city of Barcelona. CONCLUSIONS This study shows the complexity of managing and investigating COVID-19 outbreaks in vulnerable population groups. Epidemiological control measures, such as the test-trace-isolate-quarantine strategy, were challenging to implement due to technology-related barriers and socioeconomic vulnerabilities, especially homelessness. Community-based interventions, cooperation among stakeholders and housing-related policies were helpful in tackling outbreaks among people who use drugs. When addressing vulnerable and hidden populations, the perspective of inequalities should be included in epidemiological surveillance and outbreak control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Gabriela Barbaglia
- Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Pl. de Lesseps, 1, 08023, Barcelona, Spain.
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain.
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.
- Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Marc Olivella-Cirici
- Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Pl. de Lesseps, 1, 08023, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Noelia Girona Marcos
- Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Pl. de Lesseps, 1, 08023, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mercè Gotsens
- Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Pl. de Lesseps, 1, 08023, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain
- Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Cristina Rius
- Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Pl. de Lesseps, 1, 08023, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montse Bartroli
- Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Pl. de Lesseps, 1, 08023, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gloria Pérez
- Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Pl. de Lesseps, 1, 08023, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
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Hörig M, Klaes SM, Krasovski-Nikiforovs S, van Loon W, Murajda L, Rodriguez RCO, Schade C, Specht A, Equihua Martinez G, Zimmermann R, Mockenhaupt FP, Seybold J, Lindner AK, Sarma N. A COVID-19 isolation facility for people experiencing homelessness in Berlin, Germany: a retrospective patient record study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1147558. [PMID: 37346103 PMCID: PMC10281190 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1147558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction People experiencing homelessness (PEH) are disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. For many PEH it is impossible to isolate due to the lack of permanent housing. Therefore, an isolation facility for SARS-CoV-2 positive PEH was opened in Berlin, Germany, in May 2020, offering medical care, opioid and alcohol substitution therapy and social services. This study aimed to assess the needs of the admitted patients and requirements of the facility. Materials and methods This was a retrospective patient record study carried out in the isolation facility for PEH in Berlin, from December 2020 to June 2021. We extracted demographic and clinical data including observed psychological distress from records of all PEH tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR. Data on duration and completion of isolation and the use of the facilities' services were analyzed. The association of patients' characteristics with the completion of isolation was assessed by Student's t-test or Fisher's exact test. Results A total of 139 patients were included in the study (89% male, mean age 45 years, 41% with comorbidities, 41% non-German speakers). 81% of patients were symptomatic (median duration 5 days, range 1-26). The median length of stay at the facility was 14 days (range 2-41). Among the patients, 80% had non-COVID-19 related medical conditions, 46% required alcohol substitution and 17% opioid substitution therapy. Three patients were hospitalized due to low oxygen saturation. No deaths occurred. Psychological distress was observed in 20%, and social support services were used by 65% of PEH. The majority (82%) completed the required isolation period according to the health authority's order. We did not observe a statistically significant association between completion of the isolation period and sociodemographic characteristics. Conclusion The specialized facility allowed PEH a high compliance with completion of the isolation period. Medical care, opioid and alcohol substitution, psychological care, language mediation and social support are essential components to address the specific needs of PEH. Besides contributing to infection prevention and control, isolation facilities may allow better access to medical care for SARS-CoV-2 infected PEH with possibly positive effects on the disease course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merle Hörig
- Charité Center for Global Health, Institute of International Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Welmoed van Loon
- Charité Center for Global Health, Institute of International Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Anabell Specht
- Charité Center for Global Health, Institute of International Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gabriela Equihua Martinez
- Charité Center for Global Health, Institute of International Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ruth Zimmermann
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank P. Mockenhaupt
- Charité Center for Global Health, Institute of International Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Joachim Seybold
- Medical Directorate, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas K. Lindner
- Charité Center for Global Health, Institute of International Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Navina Sarma
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
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Cox SN, Scott EM, Rogers JH, Chow EJ, Wasse JK, Carone M, Hughes JP, Chu HY. Burden of long COVID among adults experiencing sheltered homelessness: a longitudinal cohort study in King County, WA between September 2020-April 2022. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1079. [PMID: 37277786 PMCID: PMC10241609 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16026-7] [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] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People experiencing homelessness (PEH) are at increased risk for acquiring SARS-CoV-2, but the burden of long COVID in this population is unknown. METHODS We conducted a matched prospective cohort study to assess the prevalence, characteristics, and impact of long COVID among sheltered PEH in Seattle, WA between September 2020-April 2022. Adults ≥ 18 years, residing across nine homeless shelters with active respiratory virus surveillance, were eligible to complete in-person baseline surveys and interval follow-up phone surveys. We included a subset of 22 COVID-19-positive cases who tested positive or inconclusive for SARS-CoV-2 and 44 COVID-19-negative controls who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2, frequency matched on age and sex. Among controls, 22 were positive and 22 were negative for one of 27 other respiratory virus pathogens. To assess the impact of COVID-19 on the risk of symptom presence at follow-up (day 30-225 post-enrollment test), we performed log-linear regression with robust standard errors, adjusting for confounding by shelter site and demographic variables determined a priori. RESULTS Of 53 eligible COVID-19 cases, 22 (42%) completed ≥ 1 follow-up survey. While five (23%) cases reported ≥ 1 symptom at baseline, this increased to 77% (10/13) between day 30-59 and 33% (4/12) day 90 + . The most commonly reported symptoms day 30 + were fatigue (27%) and rhinorrhea (27%), with 8 (36%) reporting symptoms that interfered with or prevented daily activities. Four (33%) symptomatic cases reported receiving medical care outside of a medical provider at an isolation facility. Of 44 controls, 12 (27%) reported any symptoms day 90 + . Risk of any symptoms at follow-up was 5.4 times higher among COVID-19 cases compared to controls (95% CI: 2.7-10.5). CONCLUSIONS Shelter residents reported a high prevalence of symptoms 30 + days after their SARS-CoV-2 detection, though few accessed medical care for persistent illness. The impact of COVID-19 extends beyond acute illness and may exacerbate existing challenges that marginalized populations face in maintaining their health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah N Cox
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, WA, Seattle, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
| | - Emily M Scott
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Denver, USA
| | - Julia H Rogers
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, WA, Seattle, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Eric J Chow
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Public Health - Seattle & King County, Seattle, USA
| | | | - Marco Carone
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Seattle, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - James P Hughes
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Helen Y Chu
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, WA, Seattle, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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McGill E, Coulby C, Dam D, Bellos A, McCormick R, Patterson K. Canadian COVID-19 Outbreak Surveillance System: implementation of national surveillance during a global pandemic. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2023; 114:358-367. [PMID: 37074555 PMCID: PMC10116888 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-023-00766-5] [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] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
SETTING Early in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the need to develop systematic outbreak surveillance at the national level to monitor trends in SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks was identified as a priority for the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). The Canadian COVID-19 Outbreak Surveillance System (CCOSS) was established to monitor the frequency and severity of SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks across various community settings. INTERVENTION PHAC engaged with provincial/territorial partners in May 2020 to develop goals and key data elements for CCOSS. In January 2021, provincial/territorial partners began submitting cumulative outbreak line lists on a weekly basis. OUTCOMES Eight provincial and territorial partners, representing 93% of the population, submit outbreak data on the number of cases and severity indicators (hospitalizations and deaths) for 24 outbreak settings to CCOSS. Outbreak data can be integrated with national case data to supply information on case demographics, clinical outcomes, vaccination status, and variant lineages. Data aggregated to the national level are used to conduct analyses and report on outbreak trends. Evidence from CCOSS analyses has been useful in supporting provincial/territorial outbreak investigations, informing policy recommendations, and monitoring the impact of public health measures (vaccination, closures) in specific outbreak settings. IMPLICATIONS The development of a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak surveillance system complemented case-based surveillance and furthered the understanding of epidemiological trends. Further efforts are required to better understand SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks for Indigenous populations and other priority populations, as well as create linkages between genomic and epidemiological data. As SARS-CoV-2 outbreak surveillance enhanced case surveillance, outbreak surveillance should be a priority for emerging public health threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin McGill
- Infectious Disease Programs Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Cameron Coulby
- Infectious Disease Programs Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Demy Dam
- Infectious Disease Programs Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna Bellos
- Infectious Disease Programs Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rachel McCormick
- Infectious Disease Programs Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kaitlin Patterson
- Infectious Disease Programs Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
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Fang ML, Canham SL, Battersby L. Supporting intersecting cultural needs of gender and age by increasing cultural safety and humility for Housing First initiatives. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1005. [PMID: 37254119 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15955-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To sufficiently house and support persons experiencing homelessness (PEH), deeper understandings of the cultural appropriateness and responsiveness of community resources and the service delivery system is essential. In the case of Metro Vancouver, Canada, the cultural appropriateness and responsiveness of Housing First as a service model for supporting PEH was explored. METHODS Local service providers and stakeholders (n = 52) participated in three full day service-mapping workshops to identify Housing First supports for older adults, youth, and women experiencing homelessness, as part of a municipal-wide participatory and action-oriented study. Data were analyzed using a structured framework thematic analysis approach and cultural safety and humility lenses. RESULTS We generated three key themes: (i) insufficient built environments create challenges across gender and age, (ii) cultural safety and humility concerns at the intersection of gender and age, and (iii) implications for a culturally-responsive Housing First implementation. CONCLUSIONS Findings informed the development of a Culturally-Responsive Planning resource to support housing, health, and social service providers who are implementing Housing First initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Lan Fang
- School of Health Sciences, University of Dundee, City Campus, 11 Airlie Pl, Dundee, DD1 4HJ, UK.
- Department of Gerontology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada.
| | - Sarah L Canham
- College of Social Work, College of Architecture and Planning, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - Lupin Battersby
- Knowledge Mobilization Hub, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
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Sadio AJ, Ferré VM, Konu RY, Dagnra AC, Descamps D, Ekouevi DK, Charpentier C. High SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among street adolescents in Lomé, Togo, 2021. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:200. [PMID: 37013507 PMCID: PMC10069360 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08167-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is almost no data on the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 among street adolescents. We conducted a study to document the immunization status of street adolescents in Togo against different variants of SARS-CoV-2. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out in 2021 in Lomé, the city with the highest number of COVID 19 cases in Togo (60%). Adolescents aged 13- and 19 years old living on the street were eligible for inclusion. A standardized questionnaire was administered face-to-face to adolescents. A sample of blood was taken and aliquots of plasma were transported to the virology laboratory of the Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard (Paris, France). SARS-CoV-2 anti-S and anti-N IgG were measured using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. A quantitative miniaturized and parallel-arranged ELISA assay was used to detect IgG antibodies specifically directed against the different SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern (VOC). RESULTS A total of 299 street adolescents (5.2% female), median age 15 years, interquartile range (14-17 years), were included in this study. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 63.5% (95%CI: 57.8-69.0). Specific-IgG against the ancestral Wuhan strain was developed by 92.0% of subjects. The proportion of patients being immunized against each VOC was 86.8%, 51.1%, 56.3%, 60.0, and 30.5% for the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron VOCs, respectively. CONCLUSION This study showed a very high prevalence with approximately 2/3 of Togolese street adolescents having antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 due to a previous infection. These results confirm an under-reporting of COVID-19 cases in Togo, questioning the hypothesis of low virus circulation in Togo and even in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold Junior Sadio
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Public Health, University of Lomé, Center for Training and Research in Public Health, Lomé, Togo
- African Center for Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CARESP), Lomé, Togo
- Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Bordeaux Population Health Centre, UMR 1219, Bordeaux, France
| | - Valentine Marie Ferré
- Paris Cité University and Sorbonne Paris Nord University, IAME, Inserm, Paris, F-75018, France
- Virology Unit, AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Paris, F-75018, France
| | - Rodion Yao Konu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Public Health, University of Lomé, Center for Training and Research in Public Health, Lomé, Togo
- African Center for Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CARESP), Lomé, Togo
- Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Bordeaux Population Health Centre, UMR 1219, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Diane Descamps
- Paris Cité University and Sorbonne Paris Nord University, IAME, Inserm, Paris, F-75018, France
- Virology Unit, AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Paris, F-75018, France
| | - Didier Koumavi Ekouevi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Public Health, University of Lomé, Center for Training and Research in Public Health, Lomé, Togo.
- African Center for Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CARESP), Lomé, Togo.
- Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Bordeaux Population Health Centre, UMR 1219, Bordeaux, France.
| | - Charlotte Charpentier
- Paris Cité University and Sorbonne Paris Nord University, IAME, Inserm, Paris, F-75018, France
- Virology Unit, AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Paris, F-75018, France
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Giang K, Charlesworth R, Thulien M, Mulholland A, Barker B, Brar R, Pauly B, Fast D. Risk mitigation guidance and safer supply prescribing among young people who use drugs in the context of COVID-19 and overdose emergencies. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 115:104023. [PMID: 37059025 PMCID: PMC10067449 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Across North America, overlapping overdose and COVID-19 emergencies have had a substantial impact on young people who use drugs (YPWUD). New risk mitigation guidance (RMG) prescribing practices were introduced in British Columbia, Canada, in 2020 to allow people to decrease risk of overdose and withdrawal and better self-isolate. We examined how the prescribing of hydromorphone tablets specifically impacted YPWUD's substance use and care trajectories. Between April 2020 and July 2021, we conducted virtual interviews with 30 YPWUD who had accessed an RMG prescription of hydromorphone in the previous six months and 10 addiction medicine physicians working in Vancouver. A thematic analysis was conducted. YPWUD participants highlighted a disjuncture between risk mitigation prescriptions and the safe supply of unadulterated substances such as fentanyl, underscoring that having access to the latter is critical to reducing their reliance on street-based drug markets and overdose-related risks. They described re-appropriating these prescriptions to meet their needs, stockpiling hydromorphone so that it could be used as an “emergency backup” when they were unable to procure unregulated, illicit opioids. In the context of entrenched poverty, hydromorphone was also used to generate income for the purchase of drugs and various necessities. For some YPWUD, hydromorphone prescriptions could be used alongside opioid agonist therapy (OAT) to reduce withdrawal and cravings and improve adherence to OAT. However, some physicians were wary of prescribing hydromorphone due to the lack of evidence for this new approach. Our findings underscore the importance of providing YPWUD with a safe supply of the substances they are actively using alongside a continuum of substance use treatment and care, and the need for both medical and community-based safe and safer supply models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Giang
- Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, 317-2914 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Reith Charlesworth
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - Madison Thulien
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - Alanna Mulholland
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada; Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, 520 West 6(th) Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1A1, Canada
| | - Brittany Barker
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada; Canadian Institute of Substance Use Research, 2300 McKenzie Avenue, Victoria, BC V8N 5M8, Canada
| | - Rupinder Brar
- Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, 317-2914 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, 520 West 6(th) Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1A1, Canada
| | - Bernie Pauly
- Canadian Institute of Substance Use Research, 2300 McKenzie Avenue, Victoria, BC V8N 5M8, Canada; School of Nursing, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Danya Fast
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada; Department of Medicine (Division of Social Medicine), 317-2914 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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Kim B, Petrakis BA, Sliwinski SK, McInnes DK, Gifford AL, Smelson DA. Staff and Veteran Perspectives on Residential Treatment Programs' Responses to COVID-19: A Qualitative Study Guided by the WHO's After Action Review Framework. Community Ment Health J 2023; 59:600-608. [PMID: 36318435 PMCID: PMC9628288 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-022-01038-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Healthcare must rapidly and systematically learn from earlier COVID-19 responses to prepare for future crises. This is critical for VA's Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation and Treatment Programs (RRTPs), offering 24/7 care to Veterans for behavioral health and/or homelessness. We adapted the World Health Organization's After Action Review (AAR) to conduct semi-structured small-group discussions with staff from two RRTPs and Veterans who received RRTP care during COVID-19, to examine COVID-19's impact on these programs. Six thematic categories emerged through qualitative analysis (participant-checked and contextualized with additional input from program leadership), representing participants' recommendations including: Keep RRTPs open (especially when alternative programs are inaccessible), convey reasons for COVID-19 precautions and programming changes to Veterans, separate recovery-oriented programming from COVID-19-related information-sharing, ensure Wi-Fi availability for telehealth and communication, provide technology training during orientation, and establish safe procedures for off-site appointments. AAR is easily applicable for organizations to debrief and learn from past experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Kim
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 South Huntington Avenue, 02130, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, 02115, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Beth Ann Petrakis
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, 200 Springs Road, 01730, Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Samantha K Sliwinski
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 South Huntington Avenue, 02130, Boston, MA, USA
| | - D Keith McInnes
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, 200 Springs Road, 01730, Bedford, MA, USA
- Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, 02118, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Allen L Gifford
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 South Huntington Avenue, 02130, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, 02118, Boston, MA, USA
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, 02118, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David A Smelson
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, 200 Springs Road, 01730, Bedford, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 North Lake Avenue, 01655, Worcester, MA, USA
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YÜCE Z, ŞİMŞEK N. Psychosocial Support Programs and Telepsychiatry Services Implemented in the World and Türkiye during the Pandemic. PSIKIYATRIDE GUNCEL YAKLASIMLAR - CURRENT APPROACHES IN PSYCHIATRY 2023. [DOI: 10.18863/pgy.1079919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
In this study, which addresses the psychosocial dimension of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is seen that the pandemic has increased the frequency of anxiety, anxiety, fear, and depression in the society. In this process in the world and in Türkiye, the majority of psychosocial support programs and mental health services are provided on online platforms and the frequency of use of telepsychiatry services has increased. In this study, Google Scholar and Pub Med were scanned and relevant domestic and international studies were examined. The aim of this article was to draw attention to the innovations brought about by the epidemic in the provision of mental health services to people and suggestions were made in order to contribute to the relevant literature.
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Awad MH. Place and the Structuring of Cross-Sector Partnerships: The Moral and Material Conflicts Over Healthcare and Homelessness. JOURNAL OF BUSINESS ETHICS : JBE 2023; 184:933-955. [PMID: 37168486 PMCID: PMC9979898 DOI: 10.1007/s10551-023-05360-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Local places, such as communities, cities, and towns, host many cross-cross sector partnerships, many geared primarily toward alleviating local social and environmental issues. Yet, existing literatures focus predominantly on largescale systemic impact and global challenges such as climate change, paying scant attention to the role of local, geographically bounded dynamics in shaping these partnerships. In this article, I conceptualize places as geographic locations imbued with specific meaning systems and material resources to unpack how local embeddedness shape the structure of cross-sector partnerships. Specifically, I investigate how place-based conflict, arising from tensions between the moral and material aspects of a partnership, can shape formalized aspects of organizational structure. These include the scope of operations, partners' roles, and shared resources. I unpack these relationships using a case study of Occupy Medical, a local partnership between the civic society and the local government in Eugene, Oregon, tackling the problem of providing healthcare to the homeless and other marginalized and disenfranchised communities. The analysis covers the nine-year period of 2011-2020 and spans three major restructurings of the organization, the latest prompted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. I theorize two forms of structural arrangements for cross-sector partnerships, confined and leveraged, and further elaborate on the role of cross-sector partnerships in crises response on the local level.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Hassan Awad
- Management Department, The College of Business and Economics, California State University, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90032 USA
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Mental Health System Responsiveness during COVID-19 in People with Pre-Existing Psychiatric Disorders: Experiences from Iran. EPIDEMIOLOGIA 2023; 4:74-84. [PMID: 36810455 PMCID: PMC9944841 DOI: 10.3390/epidemiologia4010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mental health system responsiveness (MHSR) is one of the important indicators in measuring the performance of mental health systems. Recognizing this function can be effective in responding appropriately to the needs of People with Pre-Existing Psychiatric Disorders (PPEPD). This study aimed to investigate MHSR during the COVID-19 period in PPEPD in Iran. Using stratified random sampling, 142 PPEPD who were admitted to a Psychiatric Hospital in Iran one year before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Participants completed a demographic and clinical characteristics questionnaire as well as a Mental Health System Responsiveness Questionnaire through telephone interviews. The results show that the indicators of prompt attention, autonomy, and access to care were reported as the worst-performing and the confidentiality indicator as the best-performing. The type of insurance affected the access to care and the quality of basic amenities. MHSR has been reported to be poor in Iran in general and this problem worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in Iran and the degree of disability of these disorders, structural and functional changes are needed for adequate MHSR.
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Cione C, Vetter E, Jackson D, McCarthy S, Castañeda E. The Implications of Health Disparities: A COVID-19 Risk Assessment of the Hispanic Community in El Paso. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:975. [PMID: 36673730 PMCID: PMC9859471 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20020975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, Latinos have suffered from disproportionately high rates of hospitalization and death related to the virus. Health disparities based on race and ethnicity are directly associated with heightened mortality and burden of illness and act as underlying causes for the staggering impacts of COVID-19 in Latin communities in the United States. This is especially true in the city of El Paso, Texas, where over 82% of the population is Hispanic. To ascertain the level of danger that COVID-19 poses in El Paso, we constructed a point-in-time risk assessment of its Latin population and assessed a Latin individual's likelihood of hospitalization or death related to COVID-19 by comparing relevant health profiles with high-risk co-morbidities that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) identified in 2020. Data for this risk assessment come from 1152 surveys conducted in El Paso. The assessment included comprehensive demographic, socioeconomic, and health data to analyze disparities across Hispanic sub-populations in the city. Results revealed that around 49.3% of Hispanics in the study had been previously diagnosed with a high-risk co-morbidity and therefore have an increased likelihood of hospitalization or death related to COVID-19. Additional factors that led to increased risk included low income, homelessness, lack of U.S. citizenship, and being insured. The findings from this study additionally demonstrate that structural inequality in the U.S. must be addressed, and preventive measures must be taken at local and state levels to decrease the mortality of pandemics. Baseline population health data can help with both of these goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Cione
- Center for Latin American and Latino Studies, American University, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | - Emma Vetter
- Department of Sociology & Anthropology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - Deziree Jackson
- Department of Sociology, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Sarah McCarthy
- Department of Sociology, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Ernesto Castañeda
- Department of Sociology, Center for Latin American and Latino Studies, Immigration Lab, Center for Health, Risk, and Society, American University, Washington, DC 20016, USA
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Zhu A, Bruketa E, Svoboda T, Patel J, Elmi N, El-Khechen Richandi G, Baral S, Orkin AM. Respiratory infectious disease outbreaks among people experiencing homelessness: a systematic review of prevention and mitigation strategies. Ann Epidemiol 2023; 77:127-135. [PMID: 35342013 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2022.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE People experiencing homelessness (PEH) are at increased risk of respiratory infections and associated morbidity and mortality. To characterize optimal intervention strategies, we completed a systematic review of mitigation strategies for PEH to minimize the spread and impact of respiratory infectious disease outbreaks, including COVID-19. METHODS The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (#2020 CRD42020208964) and was consistent with the preferred reporting in systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. A search algorithm containing keywords that were synonymous to the terms "Homeless" and "Respiratory Illness" was applied to the six databases. The search concluded on September 22, 2020. Quality assessment was performed at the study level. Steps were conducted by two independent team members. RESULTS A total of 4468 unique titles were retrieved with 21 meeting criteria for inclusion. Interventions included testing, tracking, screening, infection prevention and control, isolation support, and education. Historically, there has been limited study of intervention strategies specifically for PEH across the world. CONCLUSIONS Staff and organizations providing services for people experiencing homelessness face specific challenges in adhering to public health guidelines such as physical distancing, isolation, and routine hygiene practices. There is a discrepancy between the burden of infectious diseases among PEH and specific research characterizing optimal intervention strategies to mitigate transmission in the context of shelters. Improving health for people experiencing homelessness necessitates investment in programs scaling existing interventions and research to study new approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Zhu
- Population Health Service, Inner City Health Associates. Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of General Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eva Bruketa
- Population Health Service, Inner City Health Associates. Toronto, ON, Canada; Queen's University, School of Medicine, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Tomislav Svoboda
- Population Health Service, Inner City Health Associates. Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jamie Patel
- Population Health Service, Inner City Health Associates. Toronto, ON, Canada; Ryerson University, Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nika Elmi
- Population Health Service, Inner City Health Associates. Toronto, ON, Canada; Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Stefan Baral
- Population Health Service, Inner City Health Associates. Toronto, ON, Canada; Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Aaron M Orkin
- Population Health Service, Inner City Health Associates. Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, ON, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Zeien J, Vieira J, Hanna J, Surendra L, Stenzel J, Ramirez A, Miller C, Rosales C. Mpox Case Reports in an Urban Homeless Population and a Proof of Concept for a Street-Based Mobile Mpox Vaccination Clinic. J Prim Care Community Health 2023; 14:21501319231169991. [PMID: 37191007 DOI: 10.1177/21501319231169991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Mpox is a new public health outbreak that particularly threatens the homeless population. Street Medicine Phoenix (SMP) is a student-led interprofessional volunteer organization that provides medical care and other essential services to individuals experiencing homelessness in Phoenix, Arizona. In addition to core services such as wound care; health screenings (blood pressure and blood glucose.); vision screenings; HIV testing; naloxone education and distribution; flu, COVID-19, and Hepatitis A vaccinations; and community resource referrals, SMP began offering mpox education and vaccination at outreach events. During an outreach event shortly after the onset of the mpox outbreak, SMP identified 2 suspected mpox cases. Accordingly, SMP has partnered with the Maricopa County Public Health Department to set up mobile mpox vaccination clinics on the streets outside of Phoenix Arizona's largest homeless shelter. We share the details of these 2 cases along with our early efforts vaccinating individuals experiencing homelessness for mpox via our mobile vaccination clinic. Our experiences demonstrate the importance of community agencies providing direct outreach to underserved populations where they are at, particularly the homeless population, to address public health concerns such as emerging disease outbreaks like mpox. In addition, these cases highlight the potential significant impact that street medicine programs can have on their respective homeless communities in the context of infectious disease mitigation and emphasize the importance of partnerships with local health departments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Zeien
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jaime Vieira
- University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Jeffery Hanna
- University of Arizona College of Public Health, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Likith Surendra
- University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Jake Stenzel
- University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Alma Ramirez
- University of Arizona College of Public Health, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Catherine Miller
- University of Arizona College of Public Health, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Cecilia Rosales
- University of Arizona College of Public Health, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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Garvin LA, Greenan MA, Edelman EJ, Slightam C, McInnes DK, Zulman DM. Increasing Use of Video Telehealth Among Veterans Experiencing Homelessness with Substance Use Disorder: Design of A Peer-Led Intervention. JOURNAL OF TECHNOLOGY IN BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2022; 8:1-12. [PMID: 36573210 PMCID: PMC9769469 DOI: 10.1007/s41347-022-00290-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Telehealth offers promising opportunities, but also challenges, for veterans experiencing homelessness - during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Recent research found low utilization of clinical video visits among homeless veterans receiving a VA tablet, and having a substance use disorder (SUD) further reduced visit likelihood. Hence, this study sought to identify unique barriers to telehealth use among veterans experiencing homelessness with a SUD and design an intervention to promote adoption. This qualitative study was guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. The study's three phases included veteran interviews (N = 28) to identify barriers and facilitators to video telehealth use and propose intervention candidates, a provider expert panel to obtain feedback on interventions, and a focus group with veterans to complete the intervention. Finally, a prototype was designed using the intervention mapping approach. Veteran interviews revealed that barriers to video telehealth included complex physical and mental health issues, lack of digital literacy, and insufficient technical support. Together, veterans and experts proposed five intervention candidates. In the end, a veteran focus group combined two candidates, peer-led digital training and motivational interviewing. Intervention mapping was used to design a "stepped care" intervention that trains and activates veterans at all skill levels. This study demonstrates how inclusion of expert and veteran views led to development of a novel intervention to support and sustain video telehealth use among veterans experiencing homeless with SUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn A. Garvin
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA USA
- Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - Mary Alexis Greenan
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA USA
| | - E. Jennifer Edelman
- Program in Addiction Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA
| | - Cindie Slightam
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA USA
| | - D. Keith McInnes
- Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA USA
| | - Donna M. Zulman
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA USA
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
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49
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Buchman DZ, Lo S, Ding P, Dosani N, Fazelzad R, Furlan AD, Isenberg SR, Spithoff S, Tedesco A, Zimmermann C, Lau J. Palliative care for people who use drugs during communicable disease epidemics and pandemics: A scoping review on access, policies, and programs and guidelines. Palliat Med 2022; 37:426-443. [PMID: 36522840 PMCID: PMC9760505 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221143153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who use drugs with life-limiting illnesses experience substantial barriers to accessing palliative care. Demand for palliative care is expected to increase during communicable disease epidemics and pandemics. Understanding how epidemics and pandemics affect palliative care for people who use drugs is important from a service delivery perspective and for reducing population health inequities. AIM To explore what is known about communicable disease epidemics and pandemics, palliative care, and people who use drugs. DESIGN Scoping review. DATA SOURCES We searched six bibliographic databases from inception to April 2021 as well as the grey literature. We included English and French records about palliative care access, programs, and policies and guidelines for people ⩾18 years old who use drugs during communicable disease epidemics and pandemics. RESULTS Forty-four articles were included in our analysis. We identified limited knowledge about palliative care for people who use drugs during epidemics and pandemics other than HIV/AIDS. Through our thematic synthesis of the records, we generated the following themes: enablers and barriers to access, organizational barriers, structural inequity, access to opioids and other psychoactive substances, and stigma. CONCLUSIONS Our findings underscore the need for further research about how best to provide palliative care for people who use drugs during epidemics and pandemics. We suggest four ways that health systems can be better prepared to help alleviate the structural barriers that limit access as well as support the provision of high-quality palliative care during future epidemics and pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Z Buchman
- Everyday Ethics Lab, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,University of Toronto Joint Centre for Bioethics, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Samantha Lo
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Philip Ding
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Naheed Dosani
- Department of Medicine, St Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Palliative Education And Care for the Homeless (PEACH), Inner City Health Associates, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of Palliative Care, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rouhi Fazelzad
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrea D Furlan
- Toronto Rehab, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarina R Isenberg
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sheryl Spithoff
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alissa Tedesco
- Palliative Education And Care for the Homeless (PEACH), Inner City Health Associates, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Camilla Zimmermann
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of Palliative Medicine, University of Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of Palliative Care, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jenny Lau
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of Palliative Care, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
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50
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Guise A, Burridge S, Annand P, Burrows M, Platt L, Rathod SD, Hosseini P, Cornes M. Why were COVID-19 infections lower than expected amongst people who are homeless in London, UK in 2020? Exploring community perspectives and the multiple pathways of health inequalities in pandemics. SSM. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN HEALTH 2022; 2:100038. [PMID: 35036989 PMCID: PMC8744008 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmqr.2021.100038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
High rates of COVID-19 infections and deaths amongst people who are homeless in London, UK were feared. Rates however stayed much lower than expected throughout 2020; an experience that compares to other settings globally. This study sought a community level perspective to explore this rate of infections, and through this explore relationships between COVID-19 and existing health inequalities. Analyses are reported from ongoing qualitative studies on COVID-19 and homeless health service evaluation in London, UK. Repeated in-depth telephone interviews were implemented with people experiencing homelessness in London (n=17; 32 interviews in total) as well as street outreach workers, nurses and hostel staff (n=10) from September 2020 to early 2021. Thematic analysis generated three themes to explore peoples' experiences of, and perspectives on, low infections: people experiencing homelessness following, creating and breaking social distancing and hygiene measures; social distancing in the form of social exclusion as a long-running feature of life; and a narrative of 'street immunity' resulting from harsh living conditions. Further study is needed to understand how these factors combine to prevent COVID-19 and how they relate to different experiences of homelessness. This community perspective can ensure that emerging narratives of COVID-19 prevention success don't ignore longer running causes of homelessness and reinforce stigmatising notions of people who are homeless as lacking agency. Our findings aid theorisation of how health inequalities shape pandemic progression: severe exclusion may substantially delay epidemics in some communities, although with considerable other non-COVID-19 impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Guise
- King's College London, Guy's Campus, London, SE1 3UZ, UK,Corresponding author. King's College London, 5th Floor, Addison House, Guy's Campus, London, SE1 3UZ, UK
| | | | - P.J. Annand
- King's College London, Guy's Campus, London, SE1 3UZ, UK
| | - Martin Burrows
- Groundswell, St Matthews, Brixton Hill, London, SW2 1JF, UK
| | - Lucy Platt
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Tavistock Place, London, WC1X 9SH, UK
| | - Sujit D. Rathod
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Tavistock Place, London, WC1X 9SH, UK
| | - Paniz Hosseini
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Tavistock Place, London, WC1X 9SH, UK
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