Canada’s COVID-19 Pandemic Response and Homeless or At-risk for Homelessness and Minority Populations in Ottawa: A mixed method study

Using a mixed-method design, the objective of the study is to build upon a pilot trial and measure the bio-psychosocial and economic impacts of the COVID-19 response on homeless, at-risk of homelessness, and visible minority populations in Ottawa, Canada. Through mobilizing existing community partnerships, a survey will be shared on social media platforms and through relevant social service networks by individuals with lived experiences of homelessness and poverty (community peers). The survey will collect data on the physical health, mental health, socioeconomic characteristics, and health and digital literacy skills of vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. A sub-sample will complete telephone-based semi-structured interviews that will explore in-depth the experiences of vulnerable populations with physical distancing, exposure to public health messaging, and COVID-19 related misinformation during the pandemic lockdown. The mixed-method analysis will examine patterns and relationships between the aforementioned factors of interest to inform digital and health literacy gaps, producing equitable pandemic policies in the future. By understanding the susceptibility of vulnerable populations and the unique communication outbreak disease management needs of said populations, the impact will have positive implications around the globe.