Voices of women in homelessness during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic: a co-created qualitative study

BMC Women's Health

Research

Martin Salzmann-Eriksson¹  Åsa Kneck²  Marléne Lindblad³  Anna Klarare⁴  Elisabet Mattsson⁴ 

[1] Department of Caring Sciences, Faculty of Health an Occupational Studies, University of Gävle, 801 76, Gävle, Sweden;Department of Health Care Sciences, Marie Cederschiöld University, Box 11189, Stigbergsgatan 30, 100 61, Stockholm, Sweden;Department of Health Sciences, Swedish Red Cross University, Box 1059, 141 21, Huddinge, Sweden;Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Healthcare Sciences and e-Health, Uppsala University, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden;Department of Health Care Sciences, Marie Cederschiöld University, Box 11189, Stigbergsgatan 30, 100 61, Stockholm, Sweden;

关键词: COVID-19 pandemic;    Homelessness;    Inclusion health;    Public involvement;    Qualitative;    Women;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12905-023-02157-x

 received in 2022-09-18, accepted in 2023-01-03,  发布年份 2023

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundWomen in homelessness face extreme health- and social inequities. It could be postulated that during societal crises, they become even more vulnerable. Thus, the aim was to explore experiences related to the COVID-19 pandemic among women in homelessness.MethodsTen interviews were conducted with women in homelessness, in Stockholm, Sweden, using researcher-driven photo elicitation. The data analysis was guided by the DEPICT model for collaborative data analysis and a qualitative content analysis was performed. A collaborative reference group of women with lived experience of homelessness contributed to the research process through designing the data collection, performing the data analysis, and providing feedback during report writing.ResultsFor women in homelessness, the COVID-19 pandemic was adding insult to injury, as it significantly affected everyday life and permeated most aspects of existence, leading to diminished interactions with others and reduced societal support. Thus, in an already dire situation, the virus amplified health- and social issues to another level. The women strived to find their balance on the shifting sands of guidelines and restrictions due to the pandemic. Adhering to the new social distancing rules and guidelines in line with the rest of society, was simply impossible when experiencing homelessness. However, for some women the pandemic was nothing but a storm in a teacup. The harsh reality continued irrespectively, living one day at a time and prioritizing provision for basic human needs.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic and homelessness can be viewed as two intersecting crises. However, the women’s aggregated experiences were greater than the sum of experiencing homelessness and meeting the threat of the virus. Gender, exposure to violence, poverty, social isolation, and substance use were additional factors that further marginalized the women during the pandemic. To rebuild a better and more sustainable post-pandemic future for all, global commitment to ending homelessness is crucial. In addition, addressing social determinants of health must be the number one health intervention.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© The Author(s) 2023

【 图 表 】

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