Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Social Determinants in Health Promotion Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran

2 Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran

Abstract

BACKGROUND: One way to reduce the burden of early detection of COVID‑19 disease is in
vulnerable and high‑risk groups. The aim of this study was to diagnose and evaluate the disease in
the homeless in Southern Iran Bandar Abbas.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The target group of this study was 234 homeless people. Census
sampling included all homeless residents of Isin camp Bandar Abbas. People were individually
examined, and their information was recorded. COVID‑19 sampling was done for all as outpatients
this year.
RESULTS: Eight percent of people were able to answer the questions of awareness about symptoms,
ways of transmission, and ways of prevention of COVID‑19 disease. Nine percent of the homeless
people in the target group stated that they used to wash their hands before settling in the camp. Six
percent of homeless people stated that they used face masks before settling in the camp. Fifteen
participants showed similar symptoms to COVID‑19, yet their test result was negative. However, six
people who were asymptomatic ended up afflicted. The mean duration of time (since the emergence
of symptoms to the sampling date) was 3 days. The minimum duration of time from the emergence
of symptoms to the sampling date was 3 h, and the maximum time was 7 days.
CONCLUSION: Considering the spread of the disease, certain social measures need to be taken in
society to help take care of these people and transfer them from streets to safe places and provide for
their essentials. Diagnostic tests should be done periodically among these people at regular intervals.

Keywords

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