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Communicable disease among people experiencing homelessness in California

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: California has a large population of people experiencing homelessness (PEH) that is characterised by a high proportion of people who are unsheltered and chronically homeless. PEH are at increased risk of communicable diseases due to multiple, intersecting factors, including increased exposures, comorbid conditions including substance use disorder and mental illness and lack of access to hygiene and healthcare facilities. Data available for several communicable diseases show that PEH in California experiences an increased burden of communicable diseases compared to people not experiencing homelessness. Public health agencies face unique challenges in serving this population. Efforts to reduce homelessness, increase access to health care for PEH, enhance data availability and strengthen partnerships among agencies serving PEH can help reduce the disparity in communicable disease burden faced by PEH.

Source: Epidemiology and Infection

DOI: 10.1017/s0950268820000722

Authors: C. Y. Liu, S. J. Chai, J. P. Watt

Institutions: Kaiser Permanente, University of California, San Francisco, Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, California Department of Public Health

Language: English

Topic: Homelessness and Social Issues

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,070