Improving uptake of COVID-19 testing and vaccination in a homeless population: mixed-methods evaluation of community health worker-led education in a shelter.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Access to healthcare and accurate health information is a persistent issue for people experiencing homelessness (PEH), one heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic and exacerbated by issues of health literacy and mistrust. Strategies involving community health workers (CHWs) have the potential to improve education and service delivery for PEH. The objective of this study is to assess PEH knowledge, attitudes and barriers to COVID-19 testing and vaccination, and the impact of CHW-led education within a homeless shelter in Indiana.

Design/setting

Between November 2021 and April 2022, 15 sessions were held at a homeless shelter that combined focus group discussions with COVID-19-related education. Pre-/post-tests measured knowledge gains and attitude shifts among PEH. Gui

SUBMITTER: Ziolkowski RA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11647339 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature