Health Literacy and Self-Rated Health among Homeless Adults

Odoh, Chisom; Vidrine, Jennifer Irvin; Businelle, Michael S.; Kendzor, Darla E.; Agrawal, Pooja; Reitzel, Lorraine R.

doi:10.4148/2572-1836.1055

Cited by 11 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…Beyond physical barriers and trust issues, access to digital health might be hindered by the lack of skills required for their use. Populations at risk for limited health literacy, such as homeless populations [ 13 ], are similarly vulnerable to having challenges with digital tools [ 14 ]. Poor IT skills among homeless populations have been implicated in poor mental health outcomes [ 14 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Digital Technology Access and Health-Related Internet Use Among People Experiencing Homelessness in Hungary: Quantitative Survey

Radó¹,

Girasek²,

Békási³

et al. 2022

J Med Internet Res

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Background In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of digital technology for personal health and well-being. Previous research has revealed that these technologies might provide vulnerable populations, including those who are homeless, better access to health services and thus a greater chance of more personalized care. Objective However, little is known about the relationship between technology and health among people experiencing homelessness in Central and Eastern Europe. This study is part of a series of studies by the Digital Health Research Group at Semmelweis University (Budapest, Hungary) in cooperation with the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta; it aims to assess the existing technological resources available for the homeless population and their health-related internet use characteristics to set the ground for potential health policy interventions, enabling better access to health services by strengthening the digital components of the existing health care system. Methods Between April 19, 2021, and August 11, 2021, a total of 662 people from 28 institutions providing social services for people experiencing homelessness in Budapest, Hungary, were surveyed about their access to digital tools and internet use patterns. For selected questions, the responses of a representative sample of the Hungarian population were used for comparison as the reference group. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify variables affecting internet use for health-related reasons. Results The results demonstrated a considerable level of internet use in the homeless population; 52.9% (350/662) of the respondents used the internet frequently compared with 81.3% (1220/1500) of the respondents in the reference group. Among the homeless group, 69.6% (461/662) of the respondents reported mobile phone ownership, and 39.9% (264/662) of the respondents added that it had a smartphone function. Moreover, 11.2% (70/662) of the respondents had already used a health mobile app, and 34.6% (229/662) of the respondents had used the internet for medical purposes. On the basis of these characteristics, we were able to identify a broadly defined, digitally engaged group among people experiencing homelessness (129/662, 19.5%). This subpopulation was inclined to benefit from digitalization related to their personal health. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that internet use for health reasons was more significant for younger respondents, women, those with higher levels of education, and those with no chronic conditions. Conclusions Although compared with the general population, health-related internet use statistics are lower, our results show that the idea of involving homeless populations in the digital health ecosystem is viable, especially if barriers to access are systematically reduced. The results show that digital health services have great promise as another tool in the hands of community shelters for keeping homeless populations well ingrained in the social infrastructure as well as for disease prevention purposes.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Digital Technology Access and Health-Related Internet Use Among People Experiencing Homelessness in Hungary: Quantitative Survey

Radó¹,

Girasek²,

Békási³

et al. 2022

J Med Internet Res

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…However, another explanatory factor may be health literacy, defined by World Health Organization (WHO) as the cognitive and social skills which determine the motivation and ability of individuals to gain access to, understand and use information in ways which promote and maintain good health [ 45 ] . The pandemic has indeed shown that dissemination of information regarding important public health issues needs to be adapted to persons with low health literacy [ 46 ], which in turn often is found among people experiencing multiple, severe disadvantages [ 47 ]. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic made us even more aware of the importance of digital health literacy, i.e., the ability to seek, find, understand, and appraise health information from electronic sources to address health problems.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Voices of women in homelessness during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic: a co-created qualitative study

et al. 2023

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Background Women in homelessness face extreme health- and social inequities. It could be postulated that during societal crises, they become even more vulnerable. Thus, the aim was to explore experiences related to the COVID-19 pandemic among women in homelessness. Methods Ten interviews were conducted with women in homelessness, in Stockholm, Sweden, using researcher-driven photo elicitation. The data analysis was guided by the DEPICT model for collaborative data analysis and a qualitative content analysis was performed. A collaborative reference group of women with lived experience of homelessness contributed to the research process through designing the data collection, performing the data analysis, and providing feedback during report writing. Results For women in homelessness, the COVID-19 pandemic was adding insult to injury, as it significantly affected everyday life and permeated most aspects of existence, leading to diminished interactions with others and reduced societal support. Thus, in an already dire situation, the virus amplified health- and social issues to another level. The women strived to find their balance on the shifting sands of guidelines and restrictions due to the pandemic. Adhering to the new social distancing rules and guidelines in line with the rest of society, was simply impossible when experiencing homelessness. However, for some women the pandemic was nothing but a storm in a teacup. The harsh reality continued irrespectively, living one day at a time and prioritizing provision for basic human needs. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic and homelessness can be viewed as two intersecting crises. However, the women’s aggregated experiences were greater than the sum of experiencing homelessness and meeting the threat of the virus. Gender, exposure to violence, poverty, social isolation, and substance use were additional factors that further marginalized the women during the pandemic. To rebuild a better and more sustainable post-pandemic future for all, global commitment to ending homelessness is crucial. In addition, addressing social determinants of health must be the number one health intervention.

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“…This was evidenced when Street Medicine providers had to re-explain his diagnoses and arrange transportation to his outpatient appointments after he was discharged. Lack of health literacy is a pervasive issue among PEH and represents a significant barrier to care 11 12. Street Medicine organisations can work with PEH during their transition out of the hospital to help educate them on long-term health management strategies.…”

Section: Global Health Problem Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Soft tissue infection and follow-up for an unsheltered patient: the role of Street Medicine providers in bridging gaps in care

et al. 2023

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Street Medicine is a volunteer-run initiative for low-resource healthcare settings. Formed to bridge gaps in care for persons experiencing homelessness, these organisations work to provide preventative medicine through maintenance care and follow-up. However, there are limits to what Street Medicine can accomplish given the geographical radius covered, lack of available transportation options and vulnerable sleeping locations night to night for the patients served. The subject of this case report is a middle-aged Spanish-speaking unsheltered man who began his care with a Street Medicine team. He was unable to attend medical appointments due to relocation, complicating his disease course and resulting in hospital intervention for cellulitis. Post-discharge, he stayed within radius and was treated by the street team. Increased emphasis on the effects of housing insecurity and addressing social determinants of health could prevent deterioration of manageable diseases and should be an area of active interest for Street Medicine team expansion.

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Health Literacy and Self-Rated Health among Homeless Adults

Cited by 11 publications

References 33 publications

Digital Technology Access and Health-Related Internet Use Among People Experiencing Homelessness in Hungary: Quantitative Survey

Digital Technology Access and Health-Related Internet Use Among People Experiencing Homelessness in Hungary: Quantitative Survey

Voices of women in homelessness during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic: a co-created qualitative study

Soft tissue infection and follow-up for an unsheltered patient: the role of Street Medicine providers in bridging gaps in care

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