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Services for homeless people in Germany during the COVID‐19‐pandemic: A descriptive study
Author(s) -
Gräske Johannes,
Koppe Louise,
Neumann Fränze,
Forbrig Theresa A.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
public health nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.471
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1525-1446
pISSN - 0737-1209
DOI - 10.1111/phn.13027
Subject(s) - mental health , pandemic , covid-19 , anxiety , public health , service (business) , population , medicine , environmental health , nursing , business , psychiatry , marketing , disease , pathology , infectious disease (medical specialty)
Design A cross‐sectional study was conducted in December 2020/January 2021 in the five significant cities of Germany. Sample 135 of 244 identified service institutions took part in the evaluation. Measurements This evaluation included changes in institutions’ operating hours as well as capacity for homeless people. Service institutions described changes in guests’ characteristics, moods, and mental burden. Finally, equipment including face masks, coveralls, and gloves was investigated. In addition, the study examined how the cooperation with the health authorities works. Results Institutions reduced their operating hours and capacity for guests (62.4%). Increased costs, which they had to cover themselves, were reported by 70.9% of institutions. Institutions reported, that guests showed more symptoms of aggression (15%), anxiety (25%), and desperation (32%) and fewer signs of being relaxed (75%). The institutions reported room for improvement in PPE supplies and collaboration with health authorities. Conclusions Services are limited for a vulnerable population, which shows changes in moods and mental health. Health authorities are not sufficiently engaged to take over the role of institutions in caring for homeless people. In the future, in‐depth investigation to improve this is necessary.