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Elevated Mortality Among People Experiencing Homelessness With COVID-19
Kathryn M Leifheit1, Lelia H Chaisson2, Jesus A Medina1,3
1Department of Health Policy & Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Open Forum Infectious Diseases
|July 22, 2021
Summary
People experiencing homelessness had a 1.3 times higher severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) case fatality rate than the general population. These findings support prioritizing this vulnerable group for COVID-19 vaccination.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Homelessness is a significant social determinant of health.
- Vulnerable populations may face increased risks during infectious disease outbreaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) case fatality rates (CFRs) between individuals experiencing homelessness and the general population in the US.
- To inform public health strategies and resource allocation for vulnerable groups.
Main Methods:
- Review of publicly available data from major US health jurisdictions.
- Comparative analysis of SARS-CoV-2 case fatality rates.
Main Results:
- The case fatality rate for SARS-CoV-2 was 1.3 times higher in people experiencing homelessness compared to the general population.
- Confidence interval for the increased risk was 95% CI, 1.1-1.5.
Conclusions:
- People experiencing homelessness represent a high-risk group for severe outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Prioritization of vaccination for individuals experiencing homelessness is recommended to mitigate disparities in COVID-19 outcomes.
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