Nyamathi A, Shin SS, Doratt BM, Jones-Patten A, Salem B, Gelberg L, Lee D, Garfin D, Yadav K, Chang AH, White K, Arce N, Messaoudi I. Correlates of SARS-CoV-2 anti-RBD IgG antibody titers among persons experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles.
Public Health Nurs 2023;
40:417-427. [PMID:
36633567 DOI:
10.1111/phn.13170]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
People experiencing homelessness (PEH) have been especially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, likely due to increased vulnerabilities stemming from chronic diseases, substance use, and mental health conditions.
DESIGN
A case-control study to assess the presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among PEH and associations with key variables.
SAMPLE
A convenience sample of 97 PEH in Skid Row, Los Angeles.
MEASUREMENTS
A structured questionnaire assessing socio-demographic, mental health, drug and alcohol use, health care access, pandemic stress, and other COVID-19-specific questions.
RESULTS
We found high anti-receptor binding domain (RBD) IgG titers among five of 15 PEH who reported no prior COVID-19 diagnosis or being vaccinated, suggesting undiagnosed and/or asymptomatic COVID-19. While anti-RBD IgG titers across vaccination categories were not statistically significant (p = .069), participants vaccinated with Janssen had the lowest mean anti-RBD IgG titers. In multivariable analysis, we found negative associations between level of SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers with the Janssen vaccine and depression; thus, a need for integrated care for PEH with depression and COVID-19.
CONCLUSIONS
Further research is warranted to confirm the immune response, initial and over time, to SARS-CoV-2 infection and to COVID-19 vaccinations, particularly among PEH whose immune systems may be impacted by multiple health conditions.
Collapse