The unfolding public health crisis of transitional homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic in India: A psychodermatologic perspective

摘要

Homelessness is a mounting worldwide public health concern. According to the 2011 census, 449,761 families in India live in open spaces, such as on pavements, under flyovers and staircases, in places of worship, and on railway platforms, with a significant proportion of them living in urban areas [1]. Migration from rural to urban areas in search of employment is considered an important reason for the significantly higher growth of the homeless population in Indian cities when compared to the rural areas [2]. Research indicates that a significant proportion of the homeless population, including women and people with multiple disabilities, engage in some kind of work for survival in the cities they live in, thereby contributing to the national economy [2].