Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
AIDS Behav. 6 January 2025; Volume 29 (Issue 4); 1118-1131.; DOI:10.1007/s10461-024-04588-5
Ben Farhat J, Hessamfar M, Neau D, Farbos S, Lazaro E, et al.
AIDS Behav. 6 January 2025; Volume 29 (Issue 4); 1118-1131.; DOI:10.1007/s10461-024-04588-5
We investigated people living with HIV (PLWH)’s exposure to COVID-19 pandemic stressors and their association with distress, psychological growth, and substance use. PLWH in the ANRS CO3 AQUIVIH-NA cohort’s QuAliV study (Nouvelle Aquitaine, France) completed an adapted CAIR Lab Pandemic Impact Questionnaire (C-PIQ) and reported substance use between 9/2021 to 3/2022. We described cumulative stressor exposure (score 0-16) and explored variation by PLWH characteristics (demographic, HIV-related, risk factors, psychosocial). Associations with distress (score 0-23), psychological growth (score 0-20), and substance use were assessed using regression models. Participants reported exposure to a median of 2 (IQR: 1-4) stressors. Stressor exposure was higher in working-age (<60) and psychosocially vulnerable PLWH. Exposure to an additional stressor correlated with a 0.7-point increase in distress scores (95% C.I. 0.5-1.0, p<0.001), a 0.04-point increase (95% C.I. 0.01-0.07, p=0.002) in psychological growth scores in working-age PLWH. In older PLWH, additional stressor correlated with a 0.8-point (95% C.I. 0.4-1.2, p<0.001) increase in distress and a 0.1-point increase (95% C.I. 0.06-0.2, p=0.001) in growth scores. Each additional stressor was associated with 1.2 (95% C.I. 1.0-1.4, p=0.02) higher adjusted odds of cannabis use in working-age PLWH, and 1.2 (95% C.I. 1.0-1.4, p=0.004) higher adjusted odds of drug use. Exposure to stressors was linked to increased distress, cannabis and drug use but also growth. Providers should not only be aware of risk (of severe COVID-19) but also be mindful of the social and psychological challenges PLWH face as these may affect their retention in care, especially during challenging times.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Vaccine: X. 14 March 2024; Volume 18; 100472.; DOI:10.1016/j.jvacx.2024.100472
Haidar S, Roederer T, Allaire C, Mollo B, Vincent C, et al.
Vaccine: X. 14 March 2024; Volume 18; 100472.; DOI:10.1016/j.jvacx.2024.100472
BACKGROUND
Homeless people have a higher risk of COVID-19 infection, linked to several social, economic and environmental determinants, frequent comorbidities, obstacles to exercising their constitutional social and health rights, poor medical cover, and insufficient use of the healthcare system. Data on COVID-19 vaccine uptake and its main determinants are lacking for this underserved population.
OBJECTIVES
To construct and test a conceptual framework to model structural social determinants of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among underserved homeless populations, and to test this model to identify the determinants of COVID-19 vaccine uptake on the homeless population living in two metropolitan areas in France.
METHODS
We implemented a multicenter cross-sectional survey from 15/11/2021 to 22/12/2021 in homeless adults in the city of Marseille and in the greater Paris area. Persons sheltered in migrant worker hostels or in emergency social shelters, members of the COVID HOMELESS cohort study in Marseille, and Travelers living in traditional housing were all eligible. A standardized face-to-face questionnaire was administered to the participants where they lived in various languages by trained interviewers. We used structural equation modeling to analyze the structural social determinants of COVID-19 vaccine uptake, the latter defined as receiving at least one dose.
RESULTS
The participation rate was 64%, accounting for 3811 participants. There were three main factors associated with greater vaccine uptake: i) opportunity, which included having a personal general practitioner (β = 0.05, p < 0.05), healthcare cover (β = 0.05, p < 0.05), and somebody to accompany the participant for medical appointments (β = -0.04, p < 0.05); ii) motivation, which included attitudes towards vaccination (β = 0.55, p < 0.05), press- and poster-based information (β = 0.03, p < 0.05), and vaccination history (β = 0.03, p < 0.05); iii) type of housing (β = 0.13, p < 0.05) and housing stability (β = 0.04, p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Our results highlight that housing exclusion is a structural social determinant of COVID-19 vaccine uptake in homeless people in France. They also underline the role which opportunity and motivation play in improving uptake in this underserved homeless population.
Homeless people have a higher risk of COVID-19 infection, linked to several social, economic and environmental determinants, frequent comorbidities, obstacles to exercising their constitutional social and health rights, poor medical cover, and insufficient use of the healthcare system. Data on COVID-19 vaccine uptake and its main determinants are lacking for this underserved population.
OBJECTIVES
To construct and test a conceptual framework to model structural social determinants of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among underserved homeless populations, and to test this model to identify the determinants of COVID-19 vaccine uptake on the homeless population living in two metropolitan areas in France.
METHODS
We implemented a multicenter cross-sectional survey from 15/11/2021 to 22/12/2021 in homeless adults in the city of Marseille and in the greater Paris area. Persons sheltered in migrant worker hostels or in emergency social shelters, members of the COVID HOMELESS cohort study in Marseille, and Travelers living in traditional housing were all eligible. A standardized face-to-face questionnaire was administered to the participants where they lived in various languages by trained interviewers. We used structural equation modeling to analyze the structural social determinants of COVID-19 vaccine uptake, the latter defined as receiving at least one dose.
RESULTS
The participation rate was 64%, accounting for 3811 participants. There were three main factors associated with greater vaccine uptake: i) opportunity, which included having a personal general practitioner (β = 0.05, p < 0.05), healthcare cover (β = 0.05, p < 0.05), and somebody to accompany the participant for medical appointments (β = -0.04, p < 0.05); ii) motivation, which included attitudes towards vaccination (β = 0.55, p < 0.05), press- and poster-based information (β = 0.03, p < 0.05), and vaccination history (β = 0.03, p < 0.05); iii) type of housing (β = 0.13, p < 0.05) and housing stability (β = 0.04, p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Our results highlight that housing exclusion is a structural social determinant of COVID-19 vaccine uptake in homeless people in France. They also underline the role which opportunity and motivation play in improving uptake in this underserved homeless population.
Journal Article > ResearchAbstract Only
J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr; JAIDS. 28 September 2023; Online ahead of print; DOI:10.1097/QAI.0000000000003310
Ben Farhat J, Hessamfar M, Farbos S, Desclaux A, Dumondin G, et al.
J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr; JAIDS. 28 September 2023; Online ahead of print; DOI:10.1097/QAI.0000000000003310
OBJECTIVES
The Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on initiation and effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in people diagnosed with HIV remains unclear. We evaluated critical delays in HIV care in people diagnosed before and during the pandemic in ex-Aquitaine, France.
METHODS
We considered adults diagnosed with HIV-1 in 2018-2021 and enrolled in the ANRS CO3 AQUIVIH-NA and followed them until 10/10/2022 for those diagnosed during the pandemic (1/4/2020 - 31/12/2021) and until 31/03/2020 for historical controls. We compared their characteristics at inclusion and the median time between diagnosis and ART initiation, ART initiation and viral suppression and diagnosis and virological suppression (effective management).
RESULTS
83 individuals were diagnosed during the pandemic versus 188 during the pre-pandemic period. Median follow-up was 549 (IQR: 329-713) days. Populations were similar in terms of sex, age, HIV transmission group, hospital type, and clinical characteristics at diagnosis, however, fewer were foreign-born during the pandemic (15.7% versus 33.5%, p=0.003). The probability of ART initiation, therapeutic success, effective management was higher in PLWH diagnosed during the pandemic in adjusted analyses (HR 2.0 95%CI. 1.5-2.7, HR 1.7 95%CI. 1.2-2.3, HR 1.8 95%CI. 1.3-2.6, respectively). Those diagnosed during the pandemic were 2.3 (95%CI: 1.2-4.1) times more likely to be virologically suppressed within 6 months of diagnosis compared to historical controls.
CONCLUSIONS
Pandemic-related reorganizations may have resulted in newly diagnosed PLWH being prioritized, however, the lower proportion of foreign-born PLWH diagnosed during the pandemic period, likely due to reduced migration and potential delays in diagnosis, may contribute to these preliminary findings.
The Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on initiation and effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in people diagnosed with HIV remains unclear. We evaluated critical delays in HIV care in people diagnosed before and during the pandemic in ex-Aquitaine, France.
METHODS
We considered adults diagnosed with HIV-1 in 2018-2021 and enrolled in the ANRS CO3 AQUIVIH-NA and followed them until 10/10/2022 for those diagnosed during the pandemic (1/4/2020 - 31/12/2021) and until 31/03/2020 for historical controls. We compared their characteristics at inclusion and the median time between diagnosis and ART initiation, ART initiation and viral suppression and diagnosis and virological suppression (effective management).
RESULTS
83 individuals were diagnosed during the pandemic versus 188 during the pre-pandemic period. Median follow-up was 549 (IQR: 329-713) days. Populations were similar in terms of sex, age, HIV transmission group, hospital type, and clinical characteristics at diagnosis, however, fewer were foreign-born during the pandemic (15.7% versus 33.5%, p=0.003). The probability of ART initiation, therapeutic success, effective management was higher in PLWH diagnosed during the pandemic in adjusted analyses (HR 2.0 95%CI. 1.5-2.7, HR 1.7 95%CI. 1.2-2.3, HR 1.8 95%CI. 1.3-2.6, respectively). Those diagnosed during the pandemic were 2.3 (95%CI: 1.2-4.1) times more likely to be virologically suppressed within 6 months of diagnosis compared to historical controls.
CONCLUSIONS
Pandemic-related reorganizations may have resulted in newly diagnosed PLWH being prioritized, however, the lower proportion of foreign-born PLWH diagnosed during the pandemic period, likely due to reduced migration and potential delays in diagnosis, may contribute to these preliminary findings.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Commun Med. 20 February 2023; Volume 3 (Issue 1); 30.; DOI:10.1038/s43856-023-00257-1
Roederer T, Mollo B, Vincent C, Leduc G, Sayyad-Hilario J, et al.
Commun Med. 20 February 2023; Volume 3 (Issue 1); 30.; DOI:10.1038/s43856-023-00257-1
BACKGROUND
Migrants, people experiencing homelessness (PEH), or precariously housed (PH) are at high risk for COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. However, while data on COVID-19 vaccine uptake in these populations are available in the USA, Canada, and Denmark, we are lacking, to the best of our knowledge, data from France.
METHODS
In late 2021, we carried out a cross-sectional survey to determine COVID-19 vaccine coverage in PEH/PH residing in Ile-de-France and Marseille, France, and to explore its drivers. Participants aged over 18 years were interviewed face-to-face where they slept the previous night, in their preferred language, and then stratified for analysis into three housing groups (Streets, Accommodated, and Precariously Housed). Standardized vaccination rates were computed and compared to the French population. Multilevel univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were built.
RESULTS
We find that 76.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 74.3–78.1) of the 3690 participants received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose while 91.1% of the French population did so. Vaccine uptake varies by stratum, with the highest uptake (85.6%; reference) in PH, followed by Accommodated (75.4%; adjusted odds-ratio = 0.79; 95% CI 0.51–1.09 vs. PH) and lowest in Streets (42.0%; AOR = 0.38; 95%CI 0.25–0.57 vs. PH). Use for vaccine certificate, age, socioeconomic factors, and vaccine hesitancy is associated with vaccination coverage.
CONCLUSIONS
In France, PEH/PH, and especially the most excluded, are less likely than the general population to receive COVID-19 vaccines. While vaccine mandate has proved an effective strategy, targeted outreach, on-site vaccinations, and sensitization activities are strategies enhancing vaccine uptake that can easily be replicated in future campaigns and other settings.
Migrants, people experiencing homelessness (PEH), or precariously housed (PH) are at high risk for COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. However, while data on COVID-19 vaccine uptake in these populations are available in the USA, Canada, and Denmark, we are lacking, to the best of our knowledge, data from France.
METHODS
In late 2021, we carried out a cross-sectional survey to determine COVID-19 vaccine coverage in PEH/PH residing in Ile-de-France and Marseille, France, and to explore its drivers. Participants aged over 18 years were interviewed face-to-face where they slept the previous night, in their preferred language, and then stratified for analysis into three housing groups (Streets, Accommodated, and Precariously Housed). Standardized vaccination rates were computed and compared to the French population. Multilevel univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were built.
RESULTS
We find that 76.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 74.3–78.1) of the 3690 participants received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose while 91.1% of the French population did so. Vaccine uptake varies by stratum, with the highest uptake (85.6%; reference) in PH, followed by Accommodated (75.4%; adjusted odds-ratio = 0.79; 95% CI 0.51–1.09 vs. PH) and lowest in Streets (42.0%; AOR = 0.38; 95%CI 0.25–0.57 vs. PH). Use for vaccine certificate, age, socioeconomic factors, and vaccine hesitancy is associated with vaccination coverage.
CONCLUSIONS
In France, PEH/PH, and especially the most excluded, are less likely than the general population to receive COVID-19 vaccines. While vaccine mandate has proved an effective strategy, targeted outreach, on-site vaccinations, and sensitization activities are strategies enhancing vaccine uptake that can easily be replicated in future campaigns and other settings.
Conference Material > Slide Presentation
Mitha A, Marchand L, Rozé JC, Kuhn P, Kaminski M, et al.
MSF Paediatric Days 2022. 1 December 2022; DOI:10.57740/gb8q-qp54
Conference Material > Video
Mitha A
MSF Paediatric Days 2022. 29 November 2022; DOI:10.57740/qgmc-j654
English
Français
Conference Material > Abstract
Mitha A, Marchand L, Rozé JC, Kuhn P, Kaminski M, et al.
MSF Paediatric Days 2022. 26 November 2022; DOI:10.57740/0773-xv06
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Long-term effects on neurodevelopment of Skin-to-Skin Contact (SSC) for very preterm infants are still debated. This study aims to evaluate the association of early SSC on neurodevelopmental outcomes at 5½ years among very preterm infants.
METHODS
Using the national population based EPIPAGE-2 cohort, exposure to SSC during the first week of life was evaluated by a propensity score analysis, based on individual and unit characteristics with inverse probability of treatment weighting approach. Outcomes were full-scale-intelligence-quotient (Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, 4th edition); behaviour (strengths and difficulties questionnaire); and social communication difficulties (social communication questionnaire) among 2561 infants born between 24 and 31 weeks, and surviving at 5½ years.
RESULTS
Among survivors, 1581 (61.8%) were exposed to SSC during the first week of life (range among neonatal units from 15 to 75%). At 5½ years, SSC was associated with an increased full-scale-intelligence-quotient +1.8 points (+0.0 to +3.6); and with trends for lower scores of behavioural difficulties -0.4 points (-1.1 to +0.4) and social communication difficulties -0.3 points (-0.8 to 0.2).
CONCLUSIONS
Early SSC during the first week of life among very preterm infants was associated with increased full-scale-intelligence-quotient at 5½ years. Variability of practices among units deserves attention. Further evaluation of the dose-effect is needed.
Long-term effects on neurodevelopment of Skin-to-Skin Contact (SSC) for very preterm infants are still debated. This study aims to evaluate the association of early SSC on neurodevelopmental outcomes at 5½ years among very preterm infants.
METHODS
Using the national population based EPIPAGE-2 cohort, exposure to SSC during the first week of life was evaluated by a propensity score analysis, based on individual and unit characteristics with inverse probability of treatment weighting approach. Outcomes were full-scale-intelligence-quotient (Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, 4th edition); behaviour (strengths and difficulties questionnaire); and social communication difficulties (social communication questionnaire) among 2561 infants born between 24 and 31 weeks, and surviving at 5½ years.
RESULTS
Among survivors, 1581 (61.8%) were exposed to SSC during the first week of life (range among neonatal units from 15 to 75%). At 5½ years, SSC was associated with an increased full-scale-intelligence-quotient +1.8 points (+0.0 to +3.6); and with trends for lower scores of behavioural difficulties -0.4 points (-1.1 to +0.4) and social communication difficulties -0.3 points (-0.8 to 0.2).
CONCLUSIONS
Early SSC during the first week of life among very preterm infants was associated with increased full-scale-intelligence-quotient at 5½ years. Variability of practices among units deserves attention. Further evaluation of the dose-effect is needed.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
BMJ Open. 20 September 2022; Volume 12 (Issue 9); e060276.; DOI:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-060276
Dujmovic M, Roederer T, Frison S, Melki C, Lauvin T, et al.
BMJ Open. 20 September 2022; Volume 12 (Issue 9); e060276.; DOI:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-060276
INTRODUCTION
French nursing homes were deeply affected by the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 38% of all residents infected and 5% dying. Yet, little was done to prepare these facilities for the second pandemic wave, and subsequent outbreak response strategies largely duplicated what had been done in the spring of 2020, regardless of the unique needs of the care home environment.
METHODS
A cross-sectional, mixed-methods study using a retrospective, quantitative data from residents of 14 nursing homes between November 2020 and mid-January 2021. Four facilities were purposively selected as qualitative study sites for additional in-person, in-depth interviews in January and February 2021.
RESULTS
The average attack rate in the 14 participating nursing facilities was 39% among staff and 61% among residents. One-fifth (20) of infected residents ultimately died from COVID-19 and its complications. Failure to thrive syndrome (FTTS) was diagnosed in 23% of COVID-19-positive residents. Those at highest risk of death were men (HR=1.78; 95% CI: 1.18 to 2.70; p=0.006), with FTTS (HR=4.04; 95% CI: 1.93 to 8.48; p<0.001) or in facilities with delayed implementation of universal FFP2 masking policies (HR=1.05; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.07; p<0.001). The lowest mortality was found in residents of facilities with a partial (HR=0.30; 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.51; p<0.001) or full-time physician on staff (HR=0.20; 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.53; p=0.001). Significant themes emerging from qualitative analysis centred on (1) the structural, chronic neglect of nursing homes, (2) the negative effects of the top-down, bureaucratic nature of COVID-19 crisis response, and (3) the counterproductive effects of lockdowns on both residents and staff.
CONCLUSION
Despite high resident mortality during the first pandemic wave, French nursing homes were ill-prepared for the second, with risk factors (especially staffing, lack of medical support, isolation/quarantine policy, etc) that affected case fatality and residents’ and caregivers’ overall well-being and mental health.
French nursing homes were deeply affected by the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 38% of all residents infected and 5% dying. Yet, little was done to prepare these facilities for the second pandemic wave, and subsequent outbreak response strategies largely duplicated what had been done in the spring of 2020, regardless of the unique needs of the care home environment.
METHODS
A cross-sectional, mixed-methods study using a retrospective, quantitative data from residents of 14 nursing homes between November 2020 and mid-January 2021. Four facilities were purposively selected as qualitative study sites for additional in-person, in-depth interviews in January and February 2021.
RESULTS
The average attack rate in the 14 participating nursing facilities was 39% among staff and 61% among residents. One-fifth (20) of infected residents ultimately died from COVID-19 and its complications. Failure to thrive syndrome (FTTS) was diagnosed in 23% of COVID-19-positive residents. Those at highest risk of death were men (HR=1.78; 95% CI: 1.18 to 2.70; p=0.006), with FTTS (HR=4.04; 95% CI: 1.93 to 8.48; p<0.001) or in facilities with delayed implementation of universal FFP2 masking policies (HR=1.05; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.07; p<0.001). The lowest mortality was found in residents of facilities with a partial (HR=0.30; 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.51; p<0.001) or full-time physician on staff (HR=0.20; 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.53; p=0.001). Significant themes emerging from qualitative analysis centred on (1) the structural, chronic neglect of nursing homes, (2) the negative effects of the top-down, bureaucratic nature of COVID-19 crisis response, and (3) the counterproductive effects of lockdowns on both residents and staff.
CONCLUSION
Despite high resident mortality during the first pandemic wave, French nursing homes were ill-prepared for the second, with risk factors (especially staffing, lack of medical support, isolation/quarantine policy, etc) that affected case fatality and residents’ and caregivers’ overall well-being and mental health.
Conference Material > Abstract
Vincent C
Epicentre Scientific Day Paris 2022. 1 June 2022
CONTEXT
People experiencing recurrent homelessness (PEH) or precariously housed have been overexposed to SARS-CoV2 with high morbidity and attack rates. While most guidelines prioritize the vaccination of PEH, implementation is usually challenging. Objectives of our survey were to estimate COVID-19 vaccination coverage and its drivers in PEH.
METHODS
We carried out a cross-sectional stratified survey using a two-stage cluster sampling design. Between November 15 and December 22, 2021, 227 sites were surveyed in the Ile-de-France region (IDF) and Marseille and divided into 3 strata. We interviewed 3,691 participants in their preferred language.
RESULTS
Three-quarters of surveyed individuals (76.2% ; 95%CI 74.3-78.1) received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine in 2021. It was highest (85.6%; 95%CI 83.0-88.2) among housed individuals, followed by those accommodated (75.4%; 95%CI 73.0- 77.8) and lowest in the streets (42.0%; 95%CI 34.3-49.7). Vaccine uptake was thus lower in all strata compared to French population at the end of 2021 (91% in France). Public vaccination centers were the place of preference in all strata. Reasons for vaccination were mostly related to protection (personal, of vulnerable people, overall) while roughly a quarter of participants felt compelled to be vaccinated (to get the vaccine certificate, travel, or work). Reasons for nonvaccination were more refusals than physical/practical obstacles, with around 10% of participants without any intention to get vaccinated.
Multivariate analysis highlighted the following vaccine uptake drivers: age, administrative status, source of meals, food distribution attendance, source of COVID-19 information, onsite vaccination activity and medical coverage were associated with higher vaccine uptake. Negative opinions on COVID-19 vaccines, fear of the vaccine, living with his/her family, and having no need for vaccine certificate were associated with lower vaccine uptake.
CONCLUSION
Access to COVID-19 vaccine is low for an overexposed population. Reinforcing comprehensive and inclusive social care for these people, relying on trustworthy third parties with personal ties to them, and extended use of “outreach” strategies appear to be key levers for improving vaccine coverage.
KEY MESSAGE
People experiencing recurrent homelessness are less vaccinated than the general population. It seems essential to strengthen their social support and to rely on trusted third parties and outreach activitieS.
This abstract is not to be quoted for publication.
People experiencing recurrent homelessness (PEH) or precariously housed have been overexposed to SARS-CoV2 with high morbidity and attack rates. While most guidelines prioritize the vaccination of PEH, implementation is usually challenging. Objectives of our survey were to estimate COVID-19 vaccination coverage and its drivers in PEH.
METHODS
We carried out a cross-sectional stratified survey using a two-stage cluster sampling design. Between November 15 and December 22, 2021, 227 sites were surveyed in the Ile-de-France region (IDF) and Marseille and divided into 3 strata. We interviewed 3,691 participants in their preferred language.
RESULTS
Three-quarters of surveyed individuals (76.2% ; 95%CI 74.3-78.1) received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine in 2021. It was highest (85.6%; 95%CI 83.0-88.2) among housed individuals, followed by those accommodated (75.4%; 95%CI 73.0- 77.8) and lowest in the streets (42.0%; 95%CI 34.3-49.7). Vaccine uptake was thus lower in all strata compared to French population at the end of 2021 (91% in France). Public vaccination centers were the place of preference in all strata. Reasons for vaccination were mostly related to protection (personal, of vulnerable people, overall) while roughly a quarter of participants felt compelled to be vaccinated (to get the vaccine certificate, travel, or work). Reasons for nonvaccination were more refusals than physical/practical obstacles, with around 10% of participants without any intention to get vaccinated.
Multivariate analysis highlighted the following vaccine uptake drivers: age, administrative status, source of meals, food distribution attendance, source of COVID-19 information, onsite vaccination activity and medical coverage were associated with higher vaccine uptake. Negative opinions on COVID-19 vaccines, fear of the vaccine, living with his/her family, and having no need for vaccine certificate were associated with lower vaccine uptake.
CONCLUSION
Access to COVID-19 vaccine is low for an overexposed population. Reinforcing comprehensive and inclusive social care for these people, relying on trustworthy third parties with personal ties to them, and extended use of “outreach” strategies appear to be key levers for improving vaccine coverage.
KEY MESSAGE
People experiencing recurrent homelessness are less vaccinated than the general population. It seems essential to strengthen their social support and to rely on trusted third parties and outreach activitieS.
This abstract is not to be quoted for publication.
Conference Material > Abstract
Roederer T
Epicentre Scientific Day Paris 2022. 1 June 2022
BACKGROUND
French nursing homes were deeply affected by the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 38% of all residents infected and 5% dying. Yet, little was done to prepare these facilities for the second pandemic wave, and subsequent outbreak response strategies largely duplicated what had been done in the spring of 2020, regardless of the unique needs of the care home environment.
METHODS
A cross-sectional, mixed-methods study using retrospective, quantitative data from residents of 14 nursing homes between November 2020 and mid-January 2021. Four facilities were purposively selected as qualitative study sites for additional in-person, in-depth interviews in January and February 2021.
RESULTS
The average attack rate in the 14 participating nursing facilities was 39% among staff and 61% among residents. One-fifth (20) of infected residents ultimately died from COVID-19 and its complications. Failure-to-Thrive-Syndrome (FTTS) was diagnosed in 23% of COVID-positive residents. Those at highest risk of death were men (HR=1.78; IC95: 1.18 – 2.70; p=0.006) with FTTS (HR=4.04; IC95: 1.93 – 8.48; p<0.001) in facilities with delayed implementation of universal FFP2 masking policies (HR=1.05; IC95: 1.02 – 1.07; p<0.001). The lowest mortality was found in residents of facilities with a partial (HR=0.30; IC95: 0.18 – 0.51; p<0.001) or full-time physician on staff (HR=0.20; IC95: 0.08 – 0.53; p=0.001). Significant themes emerging from qualitative analysis centered on (i) the structural, chronic neglect of nursing homes, (ii) the negative effects of the top-down, bureaucratic nature of COVID-19 crisis response, and (iii) the counterproductive effects of lockdowns on both residents and staff.
CONCLUSION
Despite high resident mortality during the first pandemic wave, French nursing homes were ill-prepared for the second, with risk factors (especially staffing, lack of medical support, isolation/quarantine policy etc) that affected case fatality and residents’ and caregivers’ overall well-being and mental health.
KEY MESSAGE
Future debates about a pandemic response in nursing homes should consider factors like the social needs of residents or understaffing and should refine general health policies and prevention measures.
This abstract is not to be quoted for publication
French nursing homes were deeply affected by the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 38% of all residents infected and 5% dying. Yet, little was done to prepare these facilities for the second pandemic wave, and subsequent outbreak response strategies largely duplicated what had been done in the spring of 2020, regardless of the unique needs of the care home environment.
METHODS
A cross-sectional, mixed-methods study using retrospective, quantitative data from residents of 14 nursing homes between November 2020 and mid-January 2021. Four facilities were purposively selected as qualitative study sites for additional in-person, in-depth interviews in January and February 2021.
RESULTS
The average attack rate in the 14 participating nursing facilities was 39% among staff and 61% among residents. One-fifth (20) of infected residents ultimately died from COVID-19 and its complications. Failure-to-Thrive-Syndrome (FTTS) was diagnosed in 23% of COVID-positive residents. Those at highest risk of death were men (HR=1.78; IC95: 1.18 – 2.70; p=0.006) with FTTS (HR=4.04; IC95: 1.93 – 8.48; p<0.001) in facilities with delayed implementation of universal FFP2 masking policies (HR=1.05; IC95: 1.02 – 1.07; p<0.001). The lowest mortality was found in residents of facilities with a partial (HR=0.30; IC95: 0.18 – 0.51; p<0.001) or full-time physician on staff (HR=0.20; IC95: 0.08 – 0.53; p=0.001). Significant themes emerging from qualitative analysis centered on (i) the structural, chronic neglect of nursing homes, (ii) the negative effects of the top-down, bureaucratic nature of COVID-19 crisis response, and (iii) the counterproductive effects of lockdowns on both residents and staff.
CONCLUSION
Despite high resident mortality during the first pandemic wave, French nursing homes were ill-prepared for the second, with risk factors (especially staffing, lack of medical support, isolation/quarantine policy etc) that affected case fatality and residents’ and caregivers’ overall well-being and mental health.
KEY MESSAGE
Future debates about a pandemic response in nursing homes should consider factors like the social needs of residents or understaffing and should refine general health policies and prevention measures.
This abstract is not to be quoted for publication