Overcrowded housing reduces COVID-19 mitigation measures and lowers emotional health among San Diego refugees from September to November of 2020

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286993
• Publication Date: 2023-06-20T17:22:42Z
• Authors: Ashkan Hassani; Vinton Omaleki; Jeanine Erikat; Elizabeth Frost; Samantha Streuli; Ramla Sahid; Homayra Yusufi; Rebecca Fielding-...
• Keywords: Overcrowding; Pandemic

Refugee communities are vulnerable to housing insecurity, which drives numerous health disparity outcomes in a historically marginalized population. The COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened the ongoing affordable crisis United States while continuing highlight disparities across populations. We conducted interviewer-administered surveys with refugee and asylum seekers San Diego County at height of understand social effects drivers one largest States. Staff from community-based advocacy research organization administered September—November 2020. 544 respondents participated survey, captured diversity community including East African (38%), Middle Eastern (35%), Afghan (17%), Southeast Asian (11%) participants. Nearly two-thirds (65%) reported living overcrowded conditions (> 1 individual per room) 30% severely crowded ( > 1.5 individuals room). For each additional person room, self-reported poor emotional increased. Conversely, family size was associated lower likelihood reporting health. Crowded significantly probability accessing diagnostic test, every room there approximately an 11% increase having never accessed testing. Access had effect fewer people room. Overcrowding is structural burden that reduces risk mitigation behaviors. Improved access units or receiving vouchers could reduce communities.