Publications by authors named "Amy C Link"
Purpose: The study purpose was to learn and describe 1) where homeless shelter residents receive health care, 2) what contributes to positive or negative health care experiences among shelter residents, and 3) shelter resident perceptions toward health care.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews (SSIs) utilizing purposive sampling and focus group discussions (FGDs) utilizing convenience sampling were conducted at 6 homeless shelters in Seattle-King County, Washington, during July-October 2021. All residents (age ≥18) were eligible to participate.
Article Synopsis
- Homeless shelter residents and staff are potentially at a higher risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection, but previous estimates were mainly based on limited data from specific outbreaks.
- A study conducted in King County, Washington, from January 2020 to May 2021 involved routine surveillance and outbreak testing in 23 shelters, collecting over 12,000 samples from nearly 3,000 participants.
- Results showed 4.74 infections per 100 individuals, with most cases being asymptomatic and detected during routine testing; vaccinated individuals and current smokers had lower infection rates, emphasizing the need for continuous surveillance in these settings.
Article Synopsis
- - Researchers conducted a study on residents of homeless shelters in Seattle to test for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as part of monitoring respiratory viruses in the community.
- - Out of 15,364 samples tested, 35 were positive for RSV, while 77 were positive for influenza, indicating RSV is less common than influenza in this group.
- - Both RSV and influenza showed similar symptoms, with cough and runny nose being most common, and a significant portion of individuals reported that their illness adversely affected their daily activities.
Background: Persons experiencing homelessness face increased risk of influenza as overcrowding in congregate shelters can facilitate influenza virus spread. Data regarding on-site influenza testing and antiviral treatment within homeless shelters remain limited.
Methods: We conducted a cluster-randomized stepped-wedge trial of point-of-care molecular influenza testing coupled with antiviral treatment with baloxavir or oseltamivir in residents of 14 homeless shelters in Seattle, WA, USA.
Introduction: Achieving high COVID-19 vaccination coverage in homeless shelters is critical in preventing morbidity, mortality, and outbreaks, however, vaccination coverage remains lower among people experiencing homelessness (PEH) than the general population.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study to retrospectively describe attitudes and identify factors associated with change in COVID-19 vaccination intent among shelter residents and staff during March 2020 - August 2021. To identify factors associated with change in COVID-19 vaccine intent becoming more positive overall compared to other attitudes, we utilized a Poisson model to calculate Risk Ratios with robust standard errors, adjusting for confounding by shelter site and demographic variables determined .
Background: Residents and staff of emergency shelters for people experiencing homelessness (PEH) are at high risk of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The importance of shelter-related transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in this population remains unclear. It is also unknown whether there is significant spread of shelter-related viruses into surrounding communities.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Little is known about COVID-19 vaccination intent among people experiencing homelessness. This study assesses surveyed COVID-19 vaccination intent among adult homeless shelter residents and staff and identifies factors associated with vaccine deliberation (responded "undecided") and reluctance (responded "no"), including time trends.
Methods: From 11/1/2020-2/28/21, we conducted repeated cross-sectional surveys at nine shelters in King County, WA as part of ongoing community-based SARS-CoV-2 surveillance.
Background: Homeless shelters are a high-risk setting for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission because of crowding and shared hygiene facilities.
Objective: To investigate SARS-CoV-2 case counts across several adult and family homeless shelters in a major metropolitan area.
Design: Cross-sectional, community-based surveillance study.