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Hand hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic among people experiencing homelessness-Atlanta, Georgia, 2020

Martha P Montgomery1, Monique G Carry1, Amanda G Garcia-Williams1

  • 1COVID-19 Emergency Response, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Journal of Community Psychology
|April 26, 2021
PubMed

Insights

People experiencing homelessness face significant hand hygiene barriers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Improving access to facilities and housing is crucial for preventing disease spread in this vulnerable population.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Health Equity
  • Infectious Disease Prevention

Background:

  • People experiencing homelessness are at increased risk for COVID-19.
  • Effective hand hygiene is a key preventive measure against COVID-19.
  • Barriers to hand hygiene disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe challenges and opportunities for hand hygiene among people experiencing homelessness.
  • To assess communication preferences regarding hand hygiene.

Main Methods:

  • In-depth interviews conducted with 51 individuals experiencing sheltered and unsheltered homelessness.
  • Study conducted in Atlanta, Georgia, from May 2020 to August 2020.

Main Results:

  • Limited access to hand hygiene facilities and supplies was the primary barrier.
  • This barrier was exacerbated by COVID-19-related closures of public facilities.
  • People experiencing unsheltered homelessness were disproportionately impacted.
  • Participants prioritized access to facilities and supplies over communication materials.

Conclusions:

  • Addressing housing and employment access are long-term solutions for improving hand hygiene.
  • Interventions should focus on increasing access to essential hygiene resources.
  • Understanding and meeting the practical needs of this population is vital for public health efforts.

Keywords:
COVID-19handwashinghomeless personshygienesanitation

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