Lacunas no atendimento em saúde e desafios vivenciados pela população em situação de rua

Abstract

The homeless population constitute a social group characterized by multiple vulnerabilities that compromise physical and mental health, in addition to facing barriers in accessing public health services. In this context, the objective of this study was to identify existing gaps in health care for this population. This study is equivalent to a dissertation and is structured as two articles. The first consisted of qualitative research, combining a literature review with experience in a social project with homeless individuals, highlighting that social exclusion is linked to lack of income, weakened family ties, substance abuse, premature aging, and gender inequalities, as well as the fragmentation and inadequacy of public policies. The second article, of an integrative nature, mapped the Brazilian public health system’s response to the needs of this population, identifying weaknesses in the care pathway, a lack of coordination within the network, and insufficient professional qualifications as factors that exacerbate vulnerability. It is concluded that gaps in access to and continuity of health care stem from structural and institutional processes, highlighting the need for intersectoral strategies, professional training, and the strengthening of actions grounded in equity and human rights.