RESUMO
This article aimed to analyze the practices and meanings associated with health and illness among homeless people in Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil. A qualitative anthropological study was conducted with participant observation and semi-structured interviews with 13 subjects 30 to 66 years of age. The results point to extremely precarious living and health conditions among the homeless. The narratives emphasize frequent violence. The main health problems were substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, mental disorders, and dental, dermatological, and gastrointestinal problems. Among other meanings, health was associated with the capacity to cope with everyday difficulties. Meanwhile, illness was identified as a state of weakness that hindered the struggle for survival. Homeless people only turned to health services when their health problems were serious and urgent. In conclusion, the study showed the need for specific policies to improve living conditions and access to healthcare for this population.
Assuntos
Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Nível de Saúde , Pessoas Mal Alojadas/psicologia , Transtornos Mentais/psicologia , Adulto , Idoso , Brasil , Feminino , Acessibilidade aos Serviços de Saúde , Disparidades em Assistência à Saúde , Humanos , Higiene , Entrevista Psicológica , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Pesquisa Qualitativa , Isolamento Social , População UrbanaRESUMO
O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar práticas e significados atribuídos à saúde e à doença pela população em situação de rua em Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo de enfoque antropológico com realização de observação participante e entrevistas semi-estruturadas com 13 indivíduos entre 30 e 66 anos. Os resultados apontam que as condições de vida e saúde deste grupo são muito precárias, sendo a violência sobressalente nas narrativas. Os principais problemas de saúde foram o abuso de substâncias psicoativas, HIV/AIDS, transtornos mentais, problemas odontológicos, dermatológicos e gastrointestinais. A saúde foi associada, entre outros significados, à capacidade de resistir ao cotidiano de dificuldades, enquanto a doença vinculou-se ao estado de debilidade impeditivo de lutar pela sobrevivência. Os serviços de saúde são procurados em situações graves e urgentes. Conclui-se pela necessidade de políticas específicas visando garantir condições de vida adequadas e acesso à saúde para esta população.
This article aimed to analyze the practices and meanings associated with health and illness among homeless people in Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil. A qualitative anthropological study was conducted with participant observation and semi-structured interviews with 13 subjects 30 to 66 years of age. The results point to extremely precarious living and health conditions among the homeless. The narratives emphasize frequent violence. The main health problems were substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, mental disorders, and dental, dermatological, and gastrointestinal problems. Among other meanings, health was associated with the capacity to cope with everyday difficulties. Meanwhile, illness was identified as a state of weakness that hindered the struggle for survival. Homeless people only turned to health services when their health problems were serious and urgent. In conclusion, the study showed the need for specific policies to improve living conditions and access to healthcare for this population.