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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

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  • Diana Margot Rosenthal

    (UCL Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
    UCL Collaborative Centre for Inclusion Health, University College London, London WC1E 7HB, UK)

  • Antoinette Schoenthaler

    (Center for Healthful Behavior Change, Institute for Excellence in Health Equity, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA)

  • Michelle Heys

    (UCL Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
    Specialist Children and Young People’s Services, East London NHS Foundation Trust, London E15 4PT, UK)

  • Marcella Ucci

    (UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, The Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources, University College London, London WC1H 0NN, UK)

  • Andrew Hayward

    (UCL Collaborative Centre for Inclusion Health, University College London, London WC1E 7HB, UK
    UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London WC1E 7HB, UK)

  • Ashlee Teakle

    (Public Health, London Borough of Newham, London E16 2QU, UK)

  • Monica Lakhanpaul

    (UCL Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
    Community Paediatrics, Whittington Health NHS, London N19 5NF, UK)

  • Celine Lewis

    (UCL Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
    North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London WC1N 3BH, UK)

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Diana Margot Rosenthal & Antoinette Schoenthaler & Michelle Heys & Marcella Ucci & Andrew Hayward & Ashlee Teakle & Monica Lakhanpaul & Celine Lewis, 2023. "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 Diver," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-22, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:2:p:1300-:d:1031754
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Krieger, J. & Higgins, D.L., 2002. "Housing and health: Time again for public health action," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 92(5), pages 758-768.
    2. Diana Margot Rosenthal & Marcella Ucci & Michelle Heys & Antoinette Schoenthaler & Monica Lakhanpaul & Andrew Hayward & Celine Lewis, 2022. "A Citizen Science Approach to Identifying Indoor Environmental Barriers to Optimal Health for under 5s Experiencing Homelessness in Temporary Accommodation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-33, March.
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