Homeless population: sociodemographic characteristics, trajectory and health conditions

Abstract

Objective: To describe the sociodemographic characteristics, life trajectory and health conditions of homeless people in Belo Horizonte/MG. Methods: Descriptive, quantitative study, carried out in the city of Belo Horizonte, with 390 homeless people. Descriptive analysis of the data was carried out. Results: The audience had an average age of 38.8 years old, with a predominance of males, heterosexuals and mixed race. As for education, the majority reported incomplete primary education. Regarding monthly income, 226 (57.9%) declared they did not have one and 171 (43.8%) were unemployed. Regarding the street trajectory, financial issues were cited as the main reason for being on the street. Broken family ties were reported by 212 (54.4%) of the participants. The majority said they had plans to leave the streets and had already experienced some type of prejudice and discrimination. Self-assessment of health status was considered good by 292 (74.9%). Conclusion: The results confirm that race, education, income and street life situations. We also point to the naturalization of adversities, since the interviewees had good health conditions, minimizing access to basic rights. Such aspects block policies that are more sensitive and targeted to the needs of the public.