Journal Article

How Does Living in Temporary Accommodation and the COVID-19 Pandemic Impact under 5s’ Healthcare Access and Health Outcomes? A Qualitative Study of Key Professionals in a Socially and Ethnically Diverse and Deprived Area of London

Hayward, Andrew, Ucci, Marcella, Heys, Michelle, Lewis, Celine, Schoenthaler, Antoinette, Rosenthal, Diana Margot, Teakle, Ashlee, Lakhanpaul, Monica

2023

Overview

Background: Children < 5 years living in temporary accommodation (U5TA) are vulnerable to poor health outcomes. Few qualitative studies have examined service provider perspectives in family homelessness; none have focused on U5TA with a cross-sector approach. This study explored professionals’ perspectives of the barriers and facilitators, including pandemic-related challenges, experienced by U5TA in accessing healthcare and optimising health outcomes, and their experiences in delivering services. Methods: Sixteen semi-structured online interviews were conducted. Professionals working in Newham (London) with U5TA families were recruited from non-profit organisations, the health sector, and Local Authority. A thematic analysis was conducted. Findings: Professionals described barriers including poor parental mental health; unsuitable housing; no social support; mistrust of services; immigration administration; and financial insecurity. Digital poverty, language discordance, and the inability to register and track U5TA made them even less visible to services. Professionals tried to mitigate barriers with improved communication, and through community facilitators. Adverse pandemic effects on U5TA health included delay and regression in developmental milestones and behaviours. In-person services were reduced, exacerbating pre-existing barriers. Interpretation: COVID-19 further reduced the ability of professionals to deliver care to U5TA and significantly impacted the lives of U5TA with potential life-long risks. Innovative and tailored cross-sector strategies are needed, including co-production of public health services and policies focusing on early development, mental health support, employment training, and opportunities for parents/carers.

• Publisher: MDPI AG,MDPI
• Subject: Analysis / Barriers / Caregivers / Child / Clinical outcomes / Codes / Cognitive development / Coronaviruses / COVID-19 / COVID-19 - epidemiology / Data analysis / Disease transmission / Economic development / Employment / Employment opportunities / Families & family life / Financial services / Health aspects / Health behavior / Health care access / Health services / Health Services Accessibility / Health status / Health visiting / Homeless people / Homelessness / Housing / Housing authorities / Humans / Immigration / Immigration policy / Insecurity / Interviews / London - epidemiology / Low income groups / Medical personnel / Mental health / Mental health services / Multiculturalism & pluralism / Nonprofit organizations / Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Pandemics / Parenthood education / Parenting / Population / Poverty / Professionals / Public health / Qualitative Research / Social aspects / Social services delivery / Social support