Work

Surveying Tenants of Permanent Supportive Housing in Skid Row about COVID-19

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: Permanent supportive housing (PSH) enrolls highly vulnerable homeless adults who experience early onset of geriatric conditions and require in-home support. Thus, there is potentially a high risk for COVID-19 within PSH, which may require tenants to take protective measures. This study reports on survey results collected from 532 PSH tenants in Los Angeles, California during the 4th week of March in 2020. Results show that nearly all tenants were aware of COVID-19, and 65% considered it to be a very serious health threat. The latter characteristic was a strong predictor of taking protective measures (i.e., handwashing and social distancing). Tenants in units with shared bathroom facilities had lower odds of social distancing than those in studio apartments. Tenants with mental health diagnoses had lower odds of consistent handwashing. Lack of access to food, hygiene items, and medication delivery were commonly reported barriers to sheltering in place.

Source: Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved

DOI: 10.1353/hpu.2020.0120

Authors: Benjamin F. Henwood, Brian Redline, Jack Lahey

Institution: University of Southern California

Language: English

Topic: Homelessness and Social Issues

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Sustainable cities and communities, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W3102946442