scholarly journals Applications of geospatial analyses in health research among homeless people: A systematic scoping review of available evidence

Author(s):  
Rakibul Ahasan ◽  
Md Shaharier Alam ◽  
Torit Chakraborty ◽  
S M Asger Ali ◽  
Tunazzina Binte Alam ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundThe coronavirus pandemic visualized the inequality in the community living standards and how housing is a fundamental requirement to ensure a livable environment. However, even before the pandemic, unequal housing access resulted in more than 150 million homeless people worldwide, and more than 22 million new people were added to this inventory for climate-related issues. This homeless population has a counterproductive effect on the social, psychological integration efforts by the community and exposure to other severe health-related issues.MethodsWe systematically identified and reviewed 24 articles which met all three requirements we set forth-i. samples include homeless people, ii. focused on public health-related issues among the same group of people, and iii. used geospatial analysis tools and techniques in conducting the research.ResultOur review findings indicated a major disparity in the geographic distribution of the case study locations-all the articles are from six (6) countries-USA (n = 16), Canada (n = 3), UK (n = 2), and one study each from Brazil, Ireland, and South Africa. Majority of the studies used spatial analysis tools to identify the hotspots, clustering and spatial patterns of patient location and distribution. ArcGIS is the most frequently used GIS application, however, studies also used other statistical applications with spatial analysis capabilities. These studies reported relationship between the location of homeless shelters and substance use, discarded needles, different infectious and non-infectious disease clusters.ConclusionAlthough, most studies were restricted in analyzing and visualizing the trends, patterns, and disease clusters, geospatial analyses techniques can be used to assess health problems such as disease distributions and associated factors across communities. Moreover, health and services and accessibility concerns could be well addressed by integrating spatial analysis into homelessness-related research. This may facilitate policymaking for health-issues among the homeless people and address health inequities in this vulnerable population.

Author(s):  
Clifford Howard ◽  
Anusha Weerakoon ◽  
Diana M. Mitro ◽  
Dawn Glaeser

Abstract OBIRCH analysis is a useful technique for defect localization not only for parametric failures, but also for functional analysis. However, OBIRCH results do not always identify the exact defect location. OBIRCH analysis results must be used in conjunction with other analysis tools and techniques to successfully identify defect locations.


2022 ◽  
pp. 107808742110738
Author(s):  
Antonin Margier

Although the influence of local urban elites on urban planning is well established in urban studies and geography, the ways in which business and property owners take part in the management of homelessness has received far less attention. This article focuses on Portland (OR) in the United States as a means of understanding the motivations that underlie the role of the private sector and its impact on public policies. To this end, I focus on the support by Portland's downtown Business Improvement District of homeless outreach programs, and on the funding of two homeless shelters by business elites / philanthropists. I argue that although public authorities have different views on the actions to be taken to end homelessness, business elites often manage to bring initially-reluctant public authorities to support their projects in what might be termed a forced-march cooperation. I also highlight the versatility of the private sector and business elites’ participation in homelessness management, given that the outreach programs they support and the homeless facilities they fund provide services for the homeless while simultaneously removing them from visible public space. In this sense, the involvement of business and property owners is also a way for them to protect their own interests.


2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 649-659 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio González-Hernández ◽  
Rene Morales-Villafaña ◽  
Martin Enrique Romero-Sánchez ◽  
Brenda Islas-Trejo ◽  
Ramiro Pérez-Miranda

2008 ◽  
pp. 2734-2748
Author(s):  
Henry Dillon ◽  
Beverley Hope

Knowledge discovery in databases (KDD) is a field of research that studies the development and use of various data analysis tools and techniques. KDD research has produced an array of models, theories, functions and methodologies for producing knowledge from data. However, despite these advances, nearly two thirds of information technology (IT) managers say that data mining products are too difficult to use in a business context. This chapter discusses how advances in data mining translate into the business context. It highlights the art of business implementation rather than the science of KDD.


2011 ◽  
pp. 2206-2217
Author(s):  
Nimini Wickramasinghe ◽  
Rajeev K. Bali

In the information-intensive environment of healthcare, the networkcentric approach has been proffered as one that allows free and rapid sharing of information and effective knowledge building required for the development of coherent objectives and their rapid attainment. This article asserts that if we are to realize such a vision it is imperative to draw upon strong rich analysis tools and techniques and thus calls for the application of Social Network Analysis combined with Actor-network Theory (S’ANT).


2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 509 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rudi Cassini ◽  
Paolo Mulatti ◽  
Claudia Zanardello ◽  
Giulia Simonato ◽  
Manuela Signorini ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 65 (9) ◽  
pp. 1773-1783
Author(s):  
Janice Constance ◽  
Joanne M. Lusher

Abstract Objectives Recent studies investigating diabetes show that inequalities to access appropriate care still persists. Whilst most of the general population are able to access a suitable quality of care, there are a number of groups who fail to receive the same standard. The objective of this review was to identify existing diabetes management interventions for homeless adults. Methods A literature search was conducted in February 2017, and repeated in September 2020. Results Of the 223 potentially relevant articles identified, only 26 were retrieved for detailed evaluation, and 6 met the inclusion criteria. Papers focusing on the management of diabetes in homeless people were included. The studies used interventions including diabetes education; medication support and supplies for blood monitoring; improvements in self-care behaviours; improvements in diabetes control; patient empowerment/engagement; and community engagement/partnerships. Conclusions Effective strategies for addressing the challenges and obstacles that the homeless population face, requires innovative, multi-sectored, flexible and well-coordinated models of care. Without appropriate support, these groups of people are prone to experience poor control of their diabetes; resulting in an increased risk of developing major health complications.


2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 322-325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen C. Morris

AbstractHomelessness is a growing problem, with perhaps greater than a 150 million homeless people globally. The global community has prioritized the problem, as eradicating homelessness is one of the United Nation’s sustainability goals of 2030. Homelessness is a variable entity with individual, population, cultural, and regional characteristics complicating emergency preparedness. Overall, there are many factors that make homeless individuals and populations more vulnerable to disasters. These include, but are not limited to: shelter concerns, transportation, acute and chronic financial and material resource constraints, mental and physical health concerns, violence, and substance abuse. As such, homeless population classification as a special or vulnerable population with regard to disaster planning is well-accepted. Much work has been done regarding best practices of accounting for and accommodating special populations in all aspects of disaster management. Utilizing what is understood of homeless populations and emergency management for special populations, a review of disaster planning with recommendations for communities was conducted. Much of the literature on this subject generates from urban homeless in the United States, but it is assumed that some lessons learned and guidance will be translatable to other communities and settings.


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