Morbidity and Mortality Among Adults Experiencing Homelessness Hospitalized With COVID-19

People experiencing homelessness (PEH) are at higher risk for chronic health conditions, but clinical characteristics and outcomes for PEH hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are not known. We analyzed population-based surveillance data of COVID-19-associated hospitalizations during 1 March to 31 May 2020. Two percent of the people hospitalized with COVID-19 for whom a housing status was recorded were homeless. Of 199 cases in the analytic sample, most were of racial/ethnic minority groups and had underlying health conditions. Clinical outcomes such as ICU admission, respiratory support including mechanical ventilation, and deaths were documented. Hispanic and non-Hispanic black persons accounted for most mechanical ventilation and deaths. Severe illness was common among persons experiencing homelessness who were hospitalized with COVID-19.

Automated summary

People experiencing homelessness are at higher risk for chronic health conditions and severe illness when hospitalized with COVID-19, with most patients being from racial/ethnic minority groups and having underlying health issues. Severe outcomes such as ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and deaths were more common among Hispanic and non-Hispanic black individuals in this population.