Perceptions of Homeless Adults and Their Providers on Coping With the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Harm Reduction Services. (July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nyamathi, Adeline M.; Gelberg, Lillian; Lee, Darlene; Arce, Nicholas; Patten-Jones, Alexandria; Yadav, Kartik; Goodwine, Maniyah; Alikhani, Mitra; Yao, Maritas; Chang, Alicia H.; Salem, Benissa E.
• Is Part Of: Global qualitative nursing research. Volume 9(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-07
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- adults experiencing homelessness -- mental health -- substance use -- Western USA; Nursing -- Research -- Periodicals; Qualitative research -- Periodicals; Nursing Research; Qualitative Research; Nursing -- Research; Qualitative research; Periodicals; Periodicals; 610.73
• DOI: 10.1177/23333936221108712
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2333-3936

Abstract

Adults experiencing homelessness experience a disproportionate burden of health disparities which has further exacerbated mental health, substance use, and coping during the COVID-19 pandemic. As limited data is available to understand the experience of adults experiencing homelessness and their health during this time, the purpose of this study was to explore how COVID-19 may have impacted their mental health, substance use, and ways of coping in this population. Using community-based participatory research, a community advisory board was established and remote individual interviews with 21 adults experiencing homelessness and 10 providers were conducted in Skid Row, Los Angeles. Using a qualitative, data analytic approach, the following major themes emerged: (1) Negative Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health; (2) Negative Impact of COVID-19 on Limitation of Harm Reduction Services; and (3) Coping Strategies Utilized During the COVID-19 Pandemic. More research is needed to understand the impact of this pandemic on underserved communities.