Objective: To evaluate the impact of an active case-finding programme on tuberculosis (TB) transmission in homeless shelters in Paris, France.
Design: Between 1994 and 1997, an active case-finding programme was implemented in homeless shelters using a mobile radiological screening unit, and continued from 1997 to 2007. During these periods, the strains isolated from TB cases diagnosed in the homeless were genotyped by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis using the insertion sequence IS6110 as a probe.
Results: Between 1994 and 2007, 313 new TB cases were diagnosed among the homeless population: 179 through the programme among shelter users, and 134 among homeless people not using shelters. Half of the strains were clustered in 35 distinct patterns (2-48 cases/cluster). The clustering of TB cases steadily decreased in shelters during the 13 years of the survey, from 14.3 to 2.7 related cases per year (P < 0.01) and from 75% to 30% of related cases among all TB cases (P < 0.01). In contrast, there was only a slight trend towards a decrease in homeless people not using shelters.
Conclusion: Active case finding in homeless shelters resulted in a decrease in case clustering, mainly in shelter users. Genotyping contributed to confirming the positive impact of the intervention.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.5588/ijtld.11.0241 | DOI Listing |
BMC Public Health
January 2025
Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy (CSHIIP), Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Greater Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Background: Permanent supportive housing (PSH) is an evidence-based practice for reducing homelessness that subsidizes permanent, independent housing and provides case management-including linkages to health services. Substance use disorders (SUDs) are common contributing factors towards premature, unwanted ("negative") PSH exits; little is known about racial/ethnic differences in negative PSH exits among residents with SUDs. Within the nation's largest PSH program at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), we examined relationships among SUDs and negative PSH exits (for up to five years post-PSH move-in) across racial/ethnic subgroups.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt J Environ Res Public Health
December 2024
Department of Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy, College of Education and Health Professions, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA.
For people experiencing homelessness (PEH), the provision of affordable housing has been recognized as the most crucial intervention for improving housing stability and facilitating substance abuse treatment. However, evidence indicates that providing housing does not significantly improve substance abuse, mental health, or physical health outcomes. Optimal participation in essential daily activities has been shown to improve health outcomes and support independent living, but there is limited research that identifies activity performance priorities among PEH living in transitional housing.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHarm Reduct J
January 2025
Opioid Policy Research Collaborative, Heller School for Social Policy & Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA.
Background: The City of Boston has faced unprecedented challenges with substance use amidst changes to the illicit drug supply and increased visibility of homelessness. Among its responses, Boston developed six low threshold harm reduction housing (HRH) sites geared towards supporting the housing needs of people who use drugs (PWUD) and addressing health and safety concerns around geographically concentrated tent encampments. HRH sites are transitional supportive housing that adhere to a "housing first" approach where abstinence is not required and harm reduction services and supports are co-located.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBMC Health Serv Res
January 2025
Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, England.
Background: An increasing number of older people are experiencing homelessness and memory problems, many of whom are supported in temporary hostel accommodation. This can be a challenge for hostel staff who may not have adequate training and support but who often support those with significant memory impairment in their day-to-day work. The study aimed to investigate the training and support that hostel staff require to meet the needs of older hostel residents experiencing memory and cognitive problems, and thus enhance hostel resident quality of life and well-being, considering what additional knowledge, skills, and support hostel staff need to achieve this.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBMC Health Serv Res
January 2025
Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, 4001, South Africa.
Introduction: Prenatal care is crucial, but accessing healthcare services has been a challenge for pregnant homeless women in Africa. The majority in this marginalised group are not screened for common pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, infection, and stillbirth. Therefore, this scoping review aims to explore the barriers to accessing prenatal healthcare services for pregnant homeless women in Africa.
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