A Scoping Review of the Health Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Persons Experiencing Homelessness in North America and Europe

Julia Corey, James Lyons, Austin O’Carroll, Richie Stafford and Jo-Hanna Ivers
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Julia Corey: Department of Public Health & Primary Care, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, D24H74 Dublin, Ireland
James Lyons: Department of Public Health & Primary Care, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, D24H74 Dublin, Ireland
Austin O’Carroll: North Dublin City GP Training Scheme, D07H984 Dublin, Ireland
Richie Stafford: HSE Community Healthcare Organisation Dublin North City & County, D09C8P5 Dublin, Ireland
Jo-Hanna Ivers: Department of Public Health & Primary Care, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, D24H74 Dublin, Ireland

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 6, 1-30

Abstract: Persons experiencing homelessness (PEH) are at heightened risk for infection, morbidity, and mortality from COVID-19. However, health consequences of the pandemic extend far beyond those directly caused by the virus. This scoping review aimed to explore the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health and well-being of PEH in North America and Europe. A systematic search of academic and grey literature was conducted in September 2021. To be included, studies had to include primary data related to the impact of the pandemic on health or well-being of PEH and be written in English. All potentially relevant references were independently screened by two reviewers, and minor conflicts were settled with input of a third reviewer. A total of 96 articles met criteria for inclusion. Data extraction was completed for all included studies, and findings synthesised and presented thematically. Numerous health impacts of the pandemic on PEH were identified, including SARS-CoV-2 infection, morbidity, mortality, and hospitalisation, fear of infection, access to housing, hygiene, PPE, food, as well as mental health, substance use, other health-related outcomes and treatment services. Gaps in the literature relating to persons using alcohol, access to mental health support, and violence were also identified. Implications for future research are discussed.

Keywords: homelessness; health; COVID-19; pandemic (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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