Original Article Cited and Linked Below

Summary By Simply the Basics

The article discusses the significant challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness (PEH) in California, particularly regarding communicable diseases. California's PEH population, which is disproportionately unsheltered and chronically homeless compared to the rest of the country, suffers from a higher burden of illness and premature death, including HIV, hepatitis, and tuberculosis. Vulnerabilities arise from increased exposure to pathogens, decreased immunity, and limited access to healthcare and services. However, there are limitations to the available data on disease incidence among PEH, including undercounting and inconsistencies in housing status collection. To address these challenges, innovative strategies are needed to reach and treat PEH effectively. Public health efforts should focus on primary prevention through immunization and harm reduction methods, as well as secondary prevention by supporting access to clinical and supportive services for PEH.

Key Takeaways

1. California's PEH population faces disproportionate health challenges, including a higher burden of communicable diseases.

2. Data limitations, such as undercounting and inconsistencies in housing status collection, affect our understanding of disease incidence among PEH.

3. Innovative strategies are needed to reach and treat PEH effectively, considering their unique challenges and vulnerabilities.

4. Public health efforts should prioritize primary prevention through immunization and harm reduction, as well as secondary prevention by supporting access to clinical and supportive services for PEH.
   

Citation: Liu CY, Chai SJ, Watt JP. Communicable disease among people experiencing homelessness in California. Epidemiology and Infection. 2020;148:e85. doi:10.1017/S0950268820000722