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

• Main Authors: Adeline M. Nyamathi (Author), Lillian Gelberg (Author), Darlene Lee (Author), Nicholas Arce (Author), Alexandria Patten-Jones (Author), Kartik Yadav (Author), Maniyah Goodwine (Author), Mitra Alikhani (Author), Maritas Yao (Author), Alicia H. Chang (Author), Benissa E. Salem (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: SAGE Publishing, 2022-07-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

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.

Item Description

2333-3936
10.1177/23333936221108712