Author:
Meehan Ashley A,Milazzo Katherine E,Bien Michael,Nall Samantha K,Vickery Katherine Diaz,Mosites Emily,Barocas Joshua A
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The number of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in the U.S. is increasing. Municipalities have responded with punitive responses such as involuntary displacement (i.e., encampment sweeps, move along orders), but little is known about the impact of involuntary displacement on health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between broadly defined experiences of involuntary displacement and self-reported health conditions among people experiencing homelessness.
Methods
We used logistic regression models to generate odds ratios using publicly available data from a cross-sectional sample of people experiencing homelessness in Denver, Colorado, during September 2018-February 2019. Hosmer-Lemeshow Goodness of Fit tests were used to assess model fit.
Results
Among 397 people experiencing homelessness, involuntary displacement was significantly associated with self-reported infectious diseases (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.09, 95% CI 1.27, 3.41), substance and alcohol use (aOR 2.83; 95% CI 1.70, 4.73), climate-related conditions (aOR 2.27; 95% CI 1.35, 3.83), and worsening mental health (aOR 2.00; 95% CI 1.24, 3.24) after controlling for potential confounders. No statistically significant associations were identified between involuntary displacement and injuries, musculoskeletal issues, chronic conditions, and chronic mental and emotional issues.
Conclusions
This research quantifies the association between involuntary displacement and multiple infectious and non-infectious health outcomes. While city officials attempt to grapple with increasing unsheltered homelessness, it is important to understand what harms are occurring that are associated with current policies. Our research adds to the growing body of literature that involuntary displacement is a harmful response to unsheltered homelessness. Alternative approaches focused on connections to housing and social services should be prioritized.
Funder
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Reference35 articles.
1. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The 2022 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress. Office of Policy Development and Research
2. [cited 2023 May 18]. (Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress). https://www.huduser.gov/portal/sites/default/files/pdf/2022-AHAR-Part-1.pdf.
3. Mosites E, Hughes L, Butler JC. Homelessness and Infectious diseases: understanding the gaps and defining a Public Health Approach: introduction. J Infect Dis. 2022;226(Supplement_3):S301–3.
4. Fazel S, Geddes JR, Kushel M. The health of homeless people in high-income countries: descriptive epidemiology, health consequences, and clinical and policy recommendations. Lancet. 2014;384(9953):1529–40.
5. Mohsenpour A, Bozorgmehr K, Rohleder S, Stratil J, Costa D. SARS-Cov-2 prevalence, transmission, health-related outcomes and control strategies in homeless shelters: systematic review and meta-analysis. eClinicalMedicine. 2021;38:101032.
Cited by
1 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献