Dr. Alexander Amon Rodgers
Homeless individuals in SPA 6 face unique disparities even when compared to other regions of Los Angeles County, such as higher rates of unsheltered homelessness, family homelessness, and homeless unaccompanied minors.
This population also has greater rates of substance abuse, mental illness, domestic violence, physical disabilities, and uncontrolled chronic medical conditions. According to the most recent homeless count in Los Angeles County, which took place in January 2020, there are over 66,000 homeless individuals living in Los Angeles County,( LA County Homeless Services Authority 2020 Greater LA Homeless Count Report, June 12, 2020; updated, September 2, 2020).
Goals of the Study The goal of this study is to inform the development of a culturally competent mobile Street Medicine primary healthcare program integrating COVID-19 screening, education and referral services delivered by trained CDU health professionals. The purpose of the project is to increase knowledge and awareness of COVID-19’ s impact on African American and Latinx homeless populations residing in SPA 6 and Skid Row while providing free COVID-19 screening services utilizing the oral swab diagnostic test targeting at risk and vulnerable homeless populations living in SPA 6 and Skid Row.
Methodology This is a cross-sectional observational study, whereby 300 study participants, 150 African Americans and 150 Latinx, aged 13 to 80, will receive direct primary healthcare on the CDU COM Street Medicine mobile van as well as receive COVID-19 screening and COVID-19 primary prevention educational interventions. Baseline data will be collected utilizing a pre-test questionnaire to collect socio-demographic data as well as data assessing the study participants’ knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors( KABB) related to COVID-19 mitigation.
Study Aims Specific Aim # 1. To provide COVID-19 diagnostic screening targeting at risk and vulnerable populations of homeless African Americans and Latinx living in encampments in SPA 6 and Skid Row of Los Angeles County. Specific Aim # 2. Develop culturally and linguistically appropriate COVID-19 primary prevention educational materials to be disseminated to vulnerable populations of homeless African Americans and Latinx residing in SPA 6 and Skid Row of Los Angeles County. Specific Aim # 3. Establish best practices for community
outreach and community mobilization efforts targeting vulnerable populations of African American and Latinx homeless populations who are living in encampments in SPA 6 and Skid Row sites within Los Angeles County.
Specifically, we will assess: 1)
2) 3)
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What do African American and Latinx homeless populations know about COVID-19’ s etiology, transmission, and spread? Are African American and Latinx homeless populations seeking COVID-19 screening? Do African American and Latinx homeless populations in SPA 6 experience higher rates of COVID-19 infection versus non-homeless populations in SPA 6? What co-morbid condition do homeless populations in SPA 6 present with upon initial physical exam and history? Are homeless populations of African Americans and Latinx misinformed about the transmission of COVID-19? Are homeless African American and Latinx populations knowledgeable about the benefits of COVID-19 clinical trials and are they receptive to accessing a COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available?
Study Timeline October 1, 2020-June 30, 2021. From October 1, 2020 through November 30, 2020, the PI convened the Core Research Team members and all protocols regarding the implementation of the study will be reviewed. Quarterly CAB meetings will be implemented and a monthly outreach calendar of the Mobile Health Outreach Project will be developed and the homeless encampment sites to be targeted in SPA 6 and Skid Row will be identified.
Core Team Members Cynthia Davis, MPH, PI Alexander Rogers, MD, Co-Investigator Sheila Young, MD, Co-Investigator Danielle Campbell, MPH, PhDc, Co-Investigator Martin Lee, PhD, Biostatistician Senait Tetklehaimont, MPH, Co-Investigator Pluscedia Williams, Community Faculty
This research was made possible by an AXIS NIH Supplement, Award Number 3U54MD007598-1255.
This research was made possible by an AXIS NIH Supplement, Award Number 3U54MD007598-1255.
CDU College of Medicine | PG. 10