Homeless people and health: vulnerability and risks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pilot study

ABSTRACT

Background: Homelessness is a complex phenomenon characterized by extreme vulnerability. The objective of the present study was to know the health status and use of the health system by homeless people (HP) in Palma de Mallorca, as well as to describe how the actual pandemic modified the needs of this population. Subjects and method: Descriptive cross-sectional study with 31 HP from Palma de Mallorca. A questionnaire that included sociodemographic profile, social support (SSQ-6), health problems, infectious diseases, mental health (PHQ-9), drug abuse (DAST-10) and basic needs (hygiene, food, safety, etc.) was administered. In addition, serology test for SARS-CoV-2, syphilis, hepatitis and HIV was performed, also their computerized medical records were reviewed. Results: The mean age was 52 +/- 8 years and 87% (27/31) were men. 48.4% had some chronic disease, 51.6% had some infectious disease and 42% had mood disorders. 96.8% of the HP used Primary Care services in 2020 versus 71% in 2019. The needs most affected by the pandemic were hygiene (41.9%), access to public toilets (29%) and access to food (25.8%). Conclusions: HP have high rates of comorbidity. Our results suggest that the health status of HP may have worsened during the pandemic. In addition, vital needs have been affected and their vulnerability could increase.