Towards a population-oriented approach to prevention, care and support by identifying vulnerable groups as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and control measures

The outbreak of the coronavirus and the measures taken have major consequences for the health of the Dutch population. These health effects are not equally distributed; not all population groups are equally vulnerable to it. Moreover, the health effects are not always clearly visible; Vulnerable groups in particular are often less well represented. There is therefore a risk that this crisis will increase existing health differences in the Netherlands. In this practice-oriented research project, through research into existing data, interviews and group discussions, we have gained insight into 1) which population groups are (extra) vulnerable to the consequences of the corona period; 2) what health effects - physical, mental and social - the corona period had on these groups; 3) which solutions can be used to prevent or combat negative effects, and to increase resilience so that people can better cope with a possible next crisis. We have also learned important lessons about how we can better involve these groups in research. The following objectives were central to this project: Gain insight into which groups are vulnerable to the Corona measures and why Looking for good examples of how to recognize early when vulnerability arises and ways to prevent this. This is done by looking at various neighborhoods in the province of Utrecht to see what good examples already exist and what needs to be newly developed to remain healthy. Ensuring that the knowledge of goals 1 and 2 can also be used in other places, for example in other cities, in other countries and in (care) training. Results This project has published a fact sheet of what makes people vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic and what measures can help. Executive parties UMC Utrecht, Municipality of Utrecht, Trimbos Institute, NIVEL, Pharos, Meetellen Utrecht, Al Amal Foundation, GGD Utrecht, Municipality of Zeist