International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Research

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13 pages, 381 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Remote Work Make People Happy? Effects of Flexibilization of Work Location and Working Hours on Happiness at Work and Affective Commitment in the German Banking Sector

by Timo Kortsch, Ricarda Rehwaldt, Manon E. Schwake and Chantal Licari

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9117; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159117 - 26 Jul 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 9386

Abstract

(1) Background: In view of the advancing digitalization of the German banking sector, offering remote work can be an opportunity for banks to meet changing customer and employee needs at the same time. It allows flexible consultations at changing locations and, due to [...] Read more.

(1) Background: In view of the advancing digitalization of the German banking sector, offering remote work can be an opportunity for banks to meet changing customer and employee needs at the same time. It allows flexible consultations at changing locations and, due to the high degree of autonomy, it also increases motivation, meaningfulness, happiness at work, and commitment. (2) Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental design to investigate how remote work affects happiness at work and affective commitment among employees in a German public bank. Therefore, two groups of customer advisors were examined, who work either remotely (N = 32) or stationary (N = 110) at similar tasks. (3) Results: The group comparisons show significantly higher values overall on three of the investigated four happiness dimensions (“meaningfulness”, “self-actualization”, and “community professional”) for employees in the remote group. Commitment also differs, as employees in the remote group show significantly stronger commitment. The quantitative results were confirmed by qualitative interviews. (4) Conclusions: By investigating the positive effects of remote working, this study shows new findings on what is likely to be a growing design form of New Work in the future. The study provides evidence that self-selected work environments and working hours offer an opportunity to make work more conducive to happiness—even in a sector that still undergoes significant shifts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Implications of the Social Determinants of Health for Quality of Life, and Wellbeing)

28 pages, 1754 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Moderation and Mediation Effects in Addressing the Main Determinants of Income Inequalities in Supporting Quality of Life: Insights from CEE Countries

by Adriana AnaMaria Davidescu, Tamara Maria Nae and Margareta-Stela Florescu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8555; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148555 - 13 Jul 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3078

Abstract

Income inequality has become an increasingly pressing economic and social problem in Europe, especially in emerging countries with more significant inequalities than the EU average. The high-level inequality persistence can decrease well-being by accentuating the shortcomings at the household level, increasing poverty and [...] Read more.

Income inequality has become an increasingly pressing economic and social problem in Europe, especially in emerging countries with more significant inequalities than the EU average. The high-level inequality persistence can decrease well-being by accentuating the shortcomings at the household level, increasing poverty and social exclusion, generating political instability, leading to a decline in social cohesion, and, finally, a weakening of the Union as a whole. In this context, the paper aims to identify the main determinants of income inequality across the CEE countries and their significant implications in supporting the quality of life and well-being, highlighting the mediation and moderation effects. The analysis focuses on emerging European countries, using panel-based data analysis for ten EU countries covering 2008–2019. The empirical findings highlighted the importance of the minimum wage, high-tech exports, the degree of economic openness, the quality of institutions, and education spending in reducing income inequality. On the other hand, the proportion of the population with a higher education level and the interaction between official and unofficial economies led to income inequality. Therefore, to increase the quality of life, it is mandatory to decrease inequalities. Thus, fewer people will be at risk of living a less qualitative life. The empirical results also proved that the informal economy and the share of people employed in industry exhibited mediating roles. In contrast, the economic growth, the urbanization degree, and the share of people employed in services exhibited moderating roles. Additionally, we also tested the impact of the income inequality determinants of the quality of life, the empirical results supporting the influence of minimum wage, employment with tertiary education, government effectiveness, the degree of economic openness, and education expenditures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Implications of the Social Determinants of Health for Quality of Life, and Wellbeing)

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17 pages, 2758 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Capital as a Predictor of Quality of Life: The Czech Experience

by František Murgaš, František Petrovič and Anna Tirpáková

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(10), 6185; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19106185 - 19 May 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2829

Abstract

In the paper, we understand social capital as a variable that affects the quality of life. A variable whose change affects another variable is called a predictor. The paper is based on Putnam’s understanding of social capital with the dimensions of trust, norms [...] Read more.

In the paper, we understand social capital as a variable that affects the quality of life. A variable whose change affects another variable is called a predictor. The paper is based on Putnam’s understanding of social capital with the dimensions of trust, norms and networks. Trust is considered the most important dimension, and for the purposes of the paper social capital is identified with trust. Quality of life is a holistic concept with two dimensions expressing an assessment of satisfaction with life. After society became richer—in the 1960’s in the West and, after the collapse of the bipolar world, also in Central and Eastern Europe—the need for quantity was replaced by the need for quality. The paper is focused on Czechia, with social capital as a predictor of quality of life being investigated geographically at the level of districts. According to the research hypothesis, social capital will have a strong influence on the quality of life of residents in Czechia, i.e., it will be its predictor. To test the validity of the research hypothesis, research was conducted. The aim of the paper is to outline the epistemology of social capital from the aspect of quality of life, description of quality of life and then to test the validity of the research hypothesis by measurements. The result of the quantification of social capital and quality of life at the level of districts and their correlation is important from an epistemological point of view for two reasons. The first is to question the generally accepted premise of the position of social capital as a strong predictor of quality of life. The second is the recognition that the premise of the position of social capital as a strong predictor of quality of life applies in the districts with the highest quality of life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Implications of the Social Determinants of Health for Quality of Life, and Wellbeing)

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11 pages, 794 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Flavored Tobacco Sales Restrictions Reduce Tobacco Product Availability and Retailer Advertising

by Louisa M. Holmes, Lauren Kass Lempert and Pamela M. Ling

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3455; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063455 - 15 Mar 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4712

Abstract

Objective: This study examined differences in the availability and advertising of flavored tobacco products before and after flavored tobacco sales restrictions were enacted in Alameda and San Francisco Counties in California. Main outcome measures: Data were collected from a sample of tobacco retailers [...] Read more.

Objective: This study examined differences in the availability and advertising of flavored tobacco products before and after flavored tobacco sales restrictions were enacted in Alameda and San Francisco Counties in California. Main outcome measures: Data were collected from a sample of tobacco retailers in Alameda and San Francisco Counties at two time points: 2015, before flavored tobacco policies were enacted, and in 2019–2020, after some cities had enacted policies. Retailers were separated by city into Category 1 (n = 442)—retailers in cities that enacted a flavored tobacco policy between the two data collection periods, and Category 2 (n = 89), those that had not. Means comparison tests were conducted to evaluate significant differences over time and by category. Results: There was significantly reduced availability of menthol cigarettes, flavored little cigars, smokeless tobacco, vape pens, and Blu brand menthol e-cigarettes between 2015 and 2020 in Category 1 retailers. Category 2 retailers had reduced availability only for Blu menthol e-cigarettes and demonstrated an increase in smokeless tobacco availability. Exterior store advertising for cigarettes, little cigars, cigars, and e-cigarettes also decreased significantly in Category 1 cities relative to Category 2 cities; 8.1% of Category 1 stores were advertising flavored tobacco products in 2019–2020 compared to 36.2% of Category 2 stores. There was also a 78% reduction in flavored ads between 2015–2019 in Category 1 cities compared to a 38% decrease in Category 2 cities. Tobacco advertising inside Category 2 stores increased. Finally, Category 2 cities had significantly greater availability of cigalikes, mod or tank vapes, flavored e-cigarettes, and e-liquids compared to Category 1 cities. Conclusions. Comprehensive flavored sales restriction policies reduce flavored tobacco availability and tobacco advertising, which may help prevent youth tobacco initiation and exposure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Implications of the Social Determinants of Health for Quality of Life, and Wellbeing)

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19 pages, 741 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Do People Who Are Homeless Find Out about Local Health and Social Care Services: A Mixed Method Study

by Vanessa Heaslip, Sue Green, Bibha Simkhada, Huseyin Dogan and Stephen Richer

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010046 - 21 Dec 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 6993

Abstract

Background: There are significant numbers of people experiencing homelessness both in the UK and internationally. People who are homeless are much more likely to die prematurely and, therefore, need strong access to ongoing health and social care support if we hope to address [...] Read more.

Background: There are significant numbers of people experiencing homelessness both in the UK and internationally. People who are homeless are much more likely to die prematurely and, therefore, need strong access to ongoing health and social care support if we hope to address the health disparity they face. Objectives: The aim of the research was to explore how people who are homeless identify and locate appropriate health and social care services. Design: A mixed methods research study was applied on people who are currently homeless or had previously experienced homelessness. Settings: The research study was based in an urban area in the southwest of England. The area was chosen as it was identified to be in the top 24 local authorities for the number of homeless individuals. Participants: A hundred individuals participated in the survey, of those 32% were living on the streets whilst 68% were living in temporary accommodation such as a charity home, shelter or a hotel paid for by the local authority. In addition, 16 participated in either a focus group or one-to-one interview Methods: The quantitative component consisted of a paper-based questionnaire whilst the qualitative aspect was focus groups/one-to-one interviews. The COREQ criteria were used in the report of the qualitative aspects of the study. Results: Quantitative data identified poor health in 90% of the sample. Access to both healthcare and wider wellbeing services (housing and food) was problematic and support for this was largely through third sector charity organisations. Qualitative data identified numerous systemic, individual and cultural obstacles, leaving difficulty for people in terms of knowing who to contact and how to access services, largely relying on word of mouth of other people who are homeless. Conclusions: In order to address health inequities experienced by people who are homeless, there is a need to review how information regarding local health and wider wellbeing services is provided in local communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Implications of the Social Determinants of Health for Quality of Life, and Wellbeing)

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16 pages, 710 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Risk of Low Birth Weight According to Household Composition in Brussels and Montreal: Do Income Support Policies Variations Explain the Differences Observed between Both Regions?

by Mouctar Sow, Myriam De Spiegelaere and Marie-France Raynault

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(15), 7936; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18157936 - 27 Jul 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2631

Abstract

Variations in social policy between countries provide opportunities to assess the impact of these policies on health inequities. This study compares the risk of low birth weight in Brussels and Montreal, according to household composition, and discusses the impact of income support policies. [...] Read more.

Variations in social policy between countries provide opportunities to assess the impact of these policies on health inequities. This study compares the risk of low birth weight in Brussels and Montreal, according to household composition, and discusses the impact of income support policies. For each context, we estimated the impact of income support policies on the extent of poverty of welfare recipients, using the model family method. Based on the differences found, we tested hypotheses on the association between low birth weight and household composition, using administrative data from the birth register and social security in each region. The extent of poverty of welfare families differs according to household composition. In Quebec, the combination of low welfare benefits and larger family allowances widens the gap between households with children and those without children. The risk of LBW also differs between these two contexts according to the number of children. Compared to children born into large welfare families, first-born children are more at risk in Montreal than in Brussels. In addition to the usual comparative studies on the topic, our study highlights the importance of an evaluative perspective that considers the combination of different types of income support measures to better identify the most vulnerable households. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Implications of the Social Determinants of Health for Quality of Life, and Wellbeing)

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14 pages, 1420 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Finding Out in Type 2 Diabetes Management among West-African Immigrants Living in the UK

by Folashade Alloh, Ann Hemingway and Angela Turner-Wilson

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 6037; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18116037 - 4 Jun 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3493

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) prevalence is three times higher among West African Immigrants compared to the general population in the UK. The challenges of managing T2DM among this group have resulted in complications. Reports have highlighted the impact of migration on the health [...] Read more.

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) prevalence is three times higher among West African Immigrants compared to the general population in the UK. The challenges of managing T2DM among this group have resulted in complications. Reports have highlighted the impact of migration on the health of the immigrant population, and this has contributed to the need to understand the influence of living in West Africa, and getting diagnosed with T2DM, in the management of their condition in the UK. Using a qualitative constructivist grounded theory approach, thirty-four West African immigrants living in the UK were recruited for this study. All participants were interviewed using Semi-structured interviews. After coding transcripts, concepts emerged including noticing symptoms, delayed diagnosis, affordability of health services, beliefs about health, feelings at diagnosis, and emotions experienced at diagnosis all contribute to finding out about diagnosis T2DM. These factors were linked to living in West Africa, among participants, and played significant roles in managing T2DM in the UK. These concepts were discussed under finding out as the overarching concept. Findings from this study highlight important aspects of T2DM diagnosis and how lived experiences, of living in West Africa and the UK, contribute to managing T2DM among West African immigrants. The findings of this study can be valuable for healthcare services supporting West African immigrants living in the UK. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Implications of the Social Determinants of Health for Quality of Life, and Wellbeing)

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12 pages, 289 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tobacco Control as an LGBTQ+ Issue: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Recommendations from LGBTQ+ Community Leaders

by Veronica Acosta-Deprez, Judy Jou, Marisa London, Mike Ai, Carolyn Chu, Nhi Cermak and Shannon Kozlovich

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5546; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18115546 - 22 May 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4149

Abstract

Tobacco companies use price discounts, including coupons and rebates, to market their products. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) communities are targeted by these marketing strategies, contributing to inequitably high tobacco use. Some localities have adopted policies restricting tobacco price discounts; for [...] Read more.

Tobacco companies use price discounts, including coupons and rebates, to market their products. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) communities are targeted by these marketing strategies, contributing to inequitably high tobacco use. Some localities have adopted policies restricting tobacco price discounts; for successful implementation, community buy-in is crucial. From July–October 2018, Equality California staff conducted semi-structured interviews with seven participants in Los Angeles, CA. Themes included familiarity with tobacco price discounts, their perceived impact on tobacco use in LGBTQ+ communities, and attitudes toward potential policy restrictions. Interview notes were analyzed using a deductive approach to qualitative analysis. Awareness of tobacco price discounts varied; some interviewees were familiar, while others expressed surprise at their ubiquity. Price discounts were seen to disproportionately impact LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those who additionally identify with other vulnerable groups, including young people and communities of color. Support for policy restrictions was unanimous; however, interviewees expressed concern over political opposition and emphasized a need for culturally competent outreach to LGBTQ+ communities. Community organizations are essential in mobilizing support for policy reform. Understanding the perceptions and recommendations of community leaders provides tools for policy action, likely improving outcomes to reduce LGBTQ+ tobacco use through restricting tobacco price discounts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Implications of the Social Determinants of Health for Quality of Life, and Wellbeing)

10 pages, 315 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome among the Homeless in Taipei City: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Ming Gu, Chi-Jie Lu, Tian-Shyug Lee, Mingchih Chen, Chih-Kuang Liu and Ching-Lin Chen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1716; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041716 - 10 Feb 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2704

Abstract

The safety and health of homeless people are important social issues. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a sub-health-risk phenomenon that has been severely aggravated worldwide in recent years. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of MetS among [...] Read more.

The safety and health of homeless people are important social issues. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a sub-health-risk phenomenon that has been severely aggravated worldwide in recent years. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of MetS among the homeless in Taipei City, Taiwan. In this study, a convenience sampling was conducted at homeless counseling agencies in Taipei City from April 2018 to September 2018. A total of 297 homeless participants were recruited, from whom clinical indicators and questionnaire information were collected. Through statistical verification, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and logistic regression, we found the following main conclusions for homeless adults in Taipei: (1) The prevalence of MetS was estimated to be 53%, with 50% meeting four or more diagnostic conditions. (2) Dyslipidemia (high-density lipoprotein (HDL) deficiency and elevated triglyceride (TG)) showed the strongest association with the prevalence of MetS; more than 83% of people with HDL deficiency or hypertriglyceridemia had MetS. For the patient groups meeting more MetS diagnostic conditions, the values of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), TG, and total cholesterol (TC) increased significantly. (3) The deterioration of MetS was significantly related to the high prevalence of hyperlipidemia (HL). (4) The homeless who were divorced, separated or widowed were more likely to suffer from MetS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Implications of the Social Determinants of Health for Quality of Life, and Wellbeing)

14 pages, 327 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Correlates of Alcohol Consumption Among a Socially-Disadvantaged Population in Poland

by Kinga Polanska and Dorota Kaleta

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(23), 9074; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17239074 - 4 Dec 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2198

Abstract

Alcohol consumption at a level exceeding existing recommendations is one of the leading risk factors for death and disability worldwide. The aim of the study was to identify correlates of alcohol drinking among a socially-disadvantaged population in Poland. The cross-sectional study covered 1644 [...] Read more.

Alcohol consumption at a level exceeding existing recommendations is one of the leading risk factors for death and disability worldwide. The aim of the study was to identify correlates of alcohol drinking among a socially-disadvantaged population in Poland. The cross-sectional study covered 1644 adult social assistance beneficiaries from the Piotrkowski district (rural area in central Poland). A detailed questionnaire filled in during a face-to-face interview allowed for the collection of socio-demographic, lifestyle-related (including alcohol consumption) and health status data. About 42% of the participants, including 67% of the men and 30% of the women, exceeded the recommended level of alcohol consumption. In the adjusted model, the men tended not to follow recommendations for alcohol consumption more frequently than the women (OR = 4.5, p < 0.001). The higher odds of not following alcohol-related recommendations were also observed for the subjects declaring having a permanent or temporary job compared to the unemployed participants (OR = 1.2, p = 0.04). A lower healthy lifestyle index (indicating an unhealthy lifestyle related to a diet, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, and tobacco smoking) was associated with not following recommendations for alcohol consumption (OR = 1.1, p = 0.04). Our study indicates that being men, having a permanent or a temporary job, and coexistence of other unfavorable lifestyle-related factors are important correlates of not following recommendations for alcohol consumption among the beneficiaries of government welfare assistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Implications of the Social Determinants of Health for Quality of Life, and Wellbeing)

12 pages, 682 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Maternal Socioeconomic Factors and Racial/Ethnic Differences in Neonatal Anthropometry

by Calvin Lambert, Jessica L. Gleason, Sarah J. Pugh, Aiyi Liu, Alaina Bever, William A. Grobman, Roger B. Newman, Deborah Wing, Nicole M. Gerlanc, Fasil Tekola-Ayele and Katherine L. Grantz

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(19), 7323; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17197323 - 7 Oct 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2767

Abstract

Disparities in birthweight by maternal race/ethnicity are commonly observed. It is unclear to what extent these disparities are correlates of individual socioeconomic factors. In a prospective cohort of 1645 low-risk singleton pregnancies included in the NICHD Fetal Growth Study (2009–2013), neonatal anthropometry was [...] Read more.

Disparities in birthweight by maternal race/ethnicity are commonly observed. It is unclear to what extent these disparities are correlates of individual socioeconomic factors. In a prospective cohort of 1645 low-risk singleton pregnancies included in the NICHD Fetal Growth Study (2009–2013), neonatal anthropometry was measured by trained personnel using a standard protocol. Socioeconomic characteristics included employment status, marital status, health insurance, annual income, and education. Separate adjusted generalized linear models were fit to both test the effect of race/ethnicity and the interaction of race/ethnicity and socioeconomic characteristics on neonatal anthropometry. Mean infant birthweight, length, head circumference, and abdominal circumference all differed by race/ethnicity (p < 0.001). We observed no statistically significant interactions between race/ethnicity and full-time employment/student status, marital status, insurance, or education in association with birthweight, neonatal exam weight, length, or head or abdominal circumference at examination. The interaction between income and race/ethnicity was significant only for abdominal circumference (p = 0.027), with no other significant interactions for other growth parameters, suggesting that racial/ethnic differences in neonatal anthropometry did not vary by individual socioeconomic factors in low-risk women. Our results do not preclude structural factors, such as lifetime exposure to poverty, as an explanation for racial/ethnic disparities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Implications of the Social Determinants of Health for Quality of Life, and Wellbeing)

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9 pages, 328 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship between Just World Beliefs and Life Satisfaction

by Warren G. Harding, Jasmin Tahmaseb McConatha and V. K. Kumar

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(17), 6410; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17176410 - 3 Sep 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4784

Abstract

An important and often unexplored factor shaping life satisfaction is one’s perception of the world as a “just” place. The “just world hypothesis” is predicated on the idea that the world works as a place where people get what they merit, an idea [...] Read more.

An important and often unexplored factor shaping life satisfaction is one’s perception of the world as a “just” place. The “just world hypothesis” is predicated on the idea that the world works as a place where people get what they merit, an idea that often serves as a means for people to rationalize injustices. The research addressing just world beliefs has expanded into a four-factor model that categorizes just world beliefs for self and others into subcategories of distributive and procedural justice. Distributive justice involves evaluations of the fairness of outcomes, allocations, or distribution of resources, while procedural concerns evaluations of the fairness of decision processes, rules, or interpersonal treatment. This study explored the relationship between the four just world beliefs subscales and overall satisfaction with life and examined their associations with demographic variables including ethnicity, age, gender, religion, and social class. The relationships of demographic factors with justice beliefs and life satisfaction generally yielded very small effect sizes. However, respondents who identified themselves as middle and upper class reported higher levels of life satisfaction than those who identified themselves as lower class, with a medium effect size. Consistent with the results of earlier research, regressing life satisfaction on the four justice beliefs subscales indicated that the two self-subscales (distributive and procedural) were significantly predictive of life satisfaction, but the two other subscales (distributive and procedural) were not. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Implications of the Social Determinants of Health for Quality of Life, and Wellbeing)

Review

Jump to: Research

18 pages, 561 KiB

Open AccessReview

Use of Technology to Promote Health and Wellbeing of People Who Are Homeless: A Systematic Review

by Vanessa Heaslip, Stephen Richer, Bibha Simkhada, Huseyin Dogan and Sue Green

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(13), 6845; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18136845 - 25 Jun 2021

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 9349

Abstract

Background: People who are homeless experience poorer health outcomes and challenges accessing healthcare contribute to the experienced health inequality. There has been an expansion in using technology to promote health and wellbeing and technology has the potential to enable people who are socially [...] Read more.

Background: People who are homeless experience poorer health outcomes and challenges accessing healthcare contribute to the experienced health inequality. There has been an expansion in using technology to promote health and wellbeing and technology has the potential to enable people who are socially excluded, including those who are homeless, to be able to access health services. However, little research has been undertaken to explore how technology is used to promote health and wellbeing for those who are homeless. This review aims to address the questions: ‘what mobile health (mHealth) related technology is used by homeless populations’ and ‘what is the health impact of mobile technology for homeless populations’? Methods: An integrative review methodology was employed. A systematic search of electronic databases was carried out between 4 January 2021 and 30 April 2021, searching for papers published between 2015 and 2021, which yielded 2113 hits, relevant papers were selected using specified inclusion and exclusion criteria reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis. The quality assessment of each paper included in the review was undertaken using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Results: Seventeen papers were selected for review and thematic analysis identified four themes: technology ownership, barriers to use, connectivity and health benefits. Conclusion: It is evident that technology has the potential to support the health and wellbeing of individuals who are homeless; however, there are challenges regarding connectivity to the internet, as well as issues of trust in who has access to personal data and how they are used. Further research is needed to explore the use of health technology with people who are homeless to address these challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Implications of the Social Determinants of Health for Quality of Life, and Wellbeing)

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