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Hollingdrake O, Grech E, Papas L, Currie J. Implementing a COVID-19 vaccination outreach service for people experiencing homelessness. Health Promot J Austr 2024. [PMID: 38886135 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.885] [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: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED In 2021, the Australian government implemented a population wide COVID-19 vaccination program. People experiencing homelessness faced challenges accessing vaccines and many were not being reached. By reorienting vaccination services to include assertive outreach strategies, a Brisbane-based non-profit health care team successfully administered 2065 COVID-19 vaccinations to homeless and precariously housed people. This study examines insights from stakeholders delivering the service and perspectives of clients who received a vaccine. METHODS Semi-structured interviews with five stakeholders and a survey of 63 clients involved in the Micah Projects COVID-19 vaccination program are reported. Client survey questions covered demographic characteristics, and motivations and hesitancies around vaccination. Stakeholder interviews were inductively analysed and quantitative survey data were exported into SPSS (IBM V27) and analysed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS The Micah Projects team initiated 220 pop-up vaccination clinics and worked closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Downsizing and mobilising the service engaged greater numbers of people sleeping rough and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Clients' decisions to vaccinate were often spontaneous, driven by immediate availability and motivated by a desire to stay healthy and protect the community. CONCLUSIONS Tailoring vaccination programs to include assertive outreach strategies effectively reduces barriers for people experiencing homelessness. Community embeddedness, trust, flexibility and cultural safety are critical elements for success. SO WHAT?: People experiencing homelessness are motivated to vaccinate. Reorientating health services to remove structural barriers and build the supportive environments needed to work through vaccine hesitancies are critical elements to ensure equitable access and promote health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Hollingdrake
- School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Healthcare Transformation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Grech
- School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
| | - Leanne Papas
- School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
- Micah Projects, West End, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jane Currie
- School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Healthcare Transformation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
- Micah Projects, West End, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Attwell K, Turvey J, Wood L. COVID-19 vaccination of at-risk and marginalised groups: recentering the state in vaccine uptake. Soc Sci Med 2024; 348:116812. [PMID: 38636209 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116812] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Recent studies have used the World Health Organization's new Behavioural and Social Drivers (BeSD) framework to analyse vaccine uptake. However, this study of COVID-19 vaccination among marginalised population groups highlights the framework's limitations regarding the centrality of the state in shaping people's vaccination intentions in high income countries. We conducted interviews and focus groups with service providers and community members to explore COVID-19 vaccination amongst Western Australians experiencing homelessness and/or from other marginalised populations (such as people with substance use dependence). Analysing this data iteratively to emphasise the state's role and functions, we elaborate how trauma and mistrust of government drive thoughts, feelings, and social interactions regarding vaccination programs, which are mutually reinforcing and which inhibit individuals' willingness to engage. Government systems that leave some populations behind increase those populations' susceptibility to misinformation. Policies may generate new unintended problems: social service providers worried about vaccine advocacy damaging clients' trust, especially in the context of vaccine mandates. Reframing the state's responsibility for designing culturally and socially appropriate services, we outline how end-users and trusted providers can lead this process. We share a new framework, "Recentering the State in Vaccine Uptake," arising from our analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Attwell
- VaxPol Lab, Political Science and International Relations, School of Social Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
| | - Jake Turvey
- Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame, Fremantle, WA, Australia.
| | - Lisa Wood
- Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame, Fremantle, WA, Australia.
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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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Nguyen DA, Alagbo HO, Hassan TA, Mera-Lojano LD, Abdelaziz EO, The NPN, Makram AM, Makram OM, Elsheikh R, Huy NT. Vaccine acceptance, determinants, and attitudes toward vaccine among people experiencing homelessness: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:880. [PMID: 38102542 PMCID: PMC10724884 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08878-6] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 has caused millions of deaths globally, with vulnerable populations such as people experiencing homelessness (PEH) at higher risk. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to identify the prevalence and key factors contributing to vaccine acceptance experienced by PEH. METHODS The protocol of this study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023391659). We included studies that reported relevant information about vaccine acceptance or vaccine hesitant/refusal among PEH. Eight databases were systematically searched in January 2023. Meta-analysis was conducted for the prevalence of vaccine acceptance, vaccine uptake, and factors associated with vaccine acceptance. Attitudes toward vaccines were combined into bar charts. RESULT A total of 29 papers were included in this systematic review and 19 papers were included for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among PEH was 66% (95%CI: 58%-73%). Our meta-regression showed vaccine acceptance was significantly increased over time. Moreover, subgroup meta-analysis showed that PEH were more likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine after June 2021 (78%, 95%CI: 65%-86%) compared with earlier period (56%, 95%CI: 54%-59%). Subgroup meta-analysis also revealed that women and participants without underlying medical condition (chronic diseases) were significantly less likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine, compared to men and those with medical conditions, respectively. CONCLUSION The study emphasizes the need for targeted public health interventions aimed at increasing vaccine acceptance among PEH, especially at the early stage of the pandemic, among females, those without underlying medical conditions, being Black (in Canada and the USA), and young people. These interventions should address the common concerns of vaccine safety, adverse effects, effectiveness, and distrust in health care systems. In addition to offering vaccinations in different areas convenient to them, education programs could be established to increase vaccine acceptance among PEH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dung Anh Nguyen
- Health Science Department, University of The People, Pasadena, CA, USA
- Online Research Club, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Habib Olatunji Alagbo
- Online Research Club, Nagasaki, Japan.
- V.N, Karazin National University, Kharkiv, Ukraine.
| | - Toka Adel Hassan
- Online Research Club, Nagasaki, Japan
- Faculty of Medicine, October 6 University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Leonardo D Mera-Lojano
- Online Research Club, Nagasaki, Japan
- ASOCEM UCE - Scientific Association of Students of Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Science, Central University of Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Esraa Osama Abdelaziz
- Online Research Club, Nagasaki, Japan
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nguyen Pham Nguyen The
- Online Research Club, Nagasaki, Japan
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Abdelrahman M Makram
- Online Research Club, Nagasaki, Japan
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Omar M Makram
- Online Research Club, Nagasaki, Japan
- Center for Health & Nature, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Randa Elsheikh
- Online Research Club, Nagasaki, Japan
- Deanery of Biomedical Sciences at Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Nguyen Tien Huy
- Online Research Club, Nagasaki, Japan
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
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Grune J, Savelsberg D, Kobus M, Lindner AK, Herrmann WJ, Schuster A. Determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and access among people experiencing homelessness in Germany: A qualitative interview study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1148029. [PMID: 37033048 PMCID: PMC10081579 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1148029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction People experiencing homelessness face lower life expectancy, higher prevalence of somatic and mental diseases and a more difficult access to healthcare compared to people in secure living. During the COVID-19 pandemic transmission rates were higher among people experiencing homelessness and preventive public health measures were not properly adapted to the specific needs of people experiencing homelessness. Thus, goal of our study was understanding the determinants of acceptability and access of the COVID-19 vaccine. Materials and methods We conducted a qualitative interview study with twenty guideline interviews with adult people currently experiencing homelessness in Berlin, Germany (August 2021 - April 2022). Participants were approached in a purposive sampling strategy. The interviews were analyzed with qualitative content analysis according to Mayring. Results Acceptance and attitude toward the COVID-19 vaccine is influenced by confidence in the vaccine as well as in the political and healthcare system, the individual COVID-19 risk perception and sense of collective responsibility. Overall, the acceptance of the vaccine was high among our participants. Facilities offering low threshold COVID-19 vaccines for people experiencing homelessness were perceived as helpful. Language barriers and the need for identity documents were major barriers to access the COVID 19 vaccine. Discussion People experiencing homelessness are a marginalized and vulnerable group often underrepresented in the public and scientific discourse. During the COVID-19 pandemic, preventive public health measures, including the COVID-19 vaccine, failed to consider specific needs of people experiencing homelessness. Multidimensional strategy to enhance inclusive healthcare are needed to improve access and to reduce discrimination and stigmatization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julianna Grune
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Julianna Grune,
| | - Darius Savelsberg
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marta Kobus
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas K. Lindner
- Institute of International Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wolfram J. Herrmann
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Angela Schuster
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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