Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of COVID-19 mitigation strategies in two homeless shelters in Massachusetts during the pandemic.
Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study that followed guests in two Massachusetts homeless shelters between March 30 and May 13, 2020, which adopted different depopulation strategies. One set up temporary tents in its parking lot, while the other decompressed its guests to a gym and a hotel. The outcome was assessed by comparing the odds ratios of positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR assays.
Results: Guests residing at the shelter that used temporary tents had 6.21 times (95% CI = 1.86, 20.77) higher odds of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 at follow-up after adjusting for loss to follow up, age, gender, and race. The daily COVID-19 symptoms checklist performed poorly in detecting positive infection.
Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of depopulating shelter guests with stable and adequate indoor space to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Daily temperature and symptom checks should be combined with routine testing. With the rising homelessness due to mass unemployment and eviction crisis, our study supports further governmental assistance in decompressing homeless shelters during this pandemic.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8431840 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.annepidem.2021.08.023 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Activity Performance Priorities for Adults Experiencing Homelessness: Insights from Management and Staff at a Transitional Housing Facility.
Int 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 PDFDeveloping a comprehensive inventory to define harm reduction housing.
Harm 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 PDFWhat are the training and support needs for homelessness hostel staff supporting older residents with memory and cognitive problems? A qualitative study.
BMC 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 PDFEvidence mapping on barriers in accessing prenatal healthcare services among homeless women: a scoping review.
BMC 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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTransgender people and travestis experiencing homelessness in Salvador: a descriptive study on sociodemographic profile and access to social assistance and health services, Brazil, 2021 and 2022.
Epidemiol Serv Saude
January 2025
Universidade Federal da Bahia, Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Salvador, BA, Brasil.
Objective: To describe the sociodemographic profile and access to social assistance and health services among trans people and travestis experiencing homelessness in Salvador, the capital city of Bahia state.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 24 (4.5%) participants who identified as trans people or travestis out of a total of 529 people, aged 18 or older, living in public spaces or institutional shelters included in the survey.
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!