The Intersection of Vulnerabilities Among Homeless Populations Exacerbated by the Covid-19 Pandemic: a Mixed Methods Study (preprint)

Background: With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a discernible amplification of inherent vulnerabilities in the global population, with the most susceptible segments exemplified by the Homeless Population experiencing exacerbated adverse impacts.. This study aims to analyze the intersection of vulnerabilities among homeless populations aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Method: This is a parallel convergent mixed methods study, incorporating a cross-sectional quantitative study and a qualitative study. A survey-type questionnaire was employed in the quantitative approach, analyzed using descriptive and inferential techniques, and a semi-structured interview in the qualitative aspect, with interviews analyzed using Minayo's thematic analysis methodology.  Results: Significant associations were identified between the vulnerabilities faced by the homeless population, which were further compounded with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. This period witnessed a critical intersection of these vulnerabilities, resulting in an even deeper social destabilization for this group.  Conclusions: Individuals experiencing homelessness confront a complex accumulation of intertwined inequalities, intensifying their social vulnerability. This scenario underscores the intersection of vulnerabilities within this group and emphasizes the urgent need for an integrated approach to understand their health and the pandemic's impact on these individuals.

Perceived Risk of Developing Severe Illness or Complications Due to Covid-19 in the Brazilian Population (preprint)

Background The perception of the risk of developing serious illness as a result of COVID-19 was one of the first reports used to reflect the health condition of infected people after hospital admission. The effects of COVID-19 are more severe in individuals with chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), indicating that the characteristics and implications of these diseases in people with COVID-19 need to be investigated.Methods This cross-sectional study was was carried out with 1961 people aged 18 or older living in Brazil. An open research approach (survey) was used for the sample design, which involved the use of an online questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analysis and logistic regression were applied to identify factors associated with the perceived risk of complications due to COVID-19.Results The sample was mostly composed of women (n = 1383; 70.5%), 18 to 39 years old (n = 1144; 58.3%), and white (n = 1140; 56.4%). It was possible to observe that people who perceived a risk of developing diseases or complications if they became infected with COVID-19 were more likely to have a chronic noncommunicable disease (NCD) (OR: 4.51; 95% CI: 3.61–5.65), self-perception of potential risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 (OR: 2.34; 95% CI: 1.87–2.93), self-perceived potential risk of the population becoming infected with COVID-19 (OR: 5.80; 95% CI: 3.30–10.74), wearing a protective mask (OR: 12.98; 95% CI: 5.8–31.35) during the pandemic period and having a religion (OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.02–1.63).Conclusions The study showed that the perception of the risk of developing a severe form of the disease was significant in certain groups, such as religious people or those with chronic noncommunicable diseases.