Tuberculosis in the street population: a systematic review

Abstract

Objective: To analyze evidence of the occurrence of tuberculosis in people living on the streets provided by the literature. Method: Systematic review conducted in the databases PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, and SciELO electronic library. Analysis of the empirical material was guided by Hermeneutics. The main themes which give shape to the association between tuberculosis and street population were sought to be understood. Results: Initially, 343 articles were identified, but only seven met the eligibility criteria. The literature shows that homeless people with tuberculosis presented unfavorable treatment outcomes when compared to the population with fixed residence. Some of the associated reasons were abusive consumption of alcohol and other drugs and associated diseases, such as human immunodeficiency virus and others. Conclusion: Despite the importance of this theme, analysis of the scientific production has provided evidence of the need for studies aimed not only at comprehending the occurrence of disease in this vulnerable group, but specially ways of fighting it.

Tuberculosis among People Living on the Street and Using Alcohol, Tobacco, and Illegal Drugs: Analysis of Territories in Extreme Vulnerability and Trends in Southern Brazil

“…The high prevalence of TB in this population is related to precarious urbanization, sanitary conditions (close contact with a contingent of people and movement between different shelters), social exclusion, and extreme poverty [28]. These individuals experience a highly vulnerable environment on a daily basis, which leads to health problems and infections, including TB [8].…”

“…In addition, this population has specificities that favor the development of health problems, such as poor education, which consequently generates ignorance regarding primary health care and the health-disease process. Moreover, many have difficulties in accessing health services, experience stigma, prejudice, conflicting or nonexistent family ties, and the lack of a life project, among other factors [4,28].…”

Tuberculosis among Peoples Who Were Living on the Street and Used Alcohol, Tobacco, and Illegal Drugs: Analysis of Territories in Extreme Vulnerability and Trends in Southern Brazil

“…The high prevalence of TB in this population is related to precarious urbanization, sanitary conditions (close contact with a contingent of people and fluctuation in different shelters), social exclusion, and extreme poverty [25]. These individuals daily experience a highly vulnerable environment, which helps develop health problems and infection to different types of diseases, including TB [8].…”

“…In addition, this population has specificities that favor the development of health problems such as low schooling, which consequently generates ignorance of primary health care and the health process-disease. Moreover, commonly have difficulties in access to health services, stigma, prejudice, conflicting or nonexistent family ties, lack of life project, among other factors [4,25].…”

Tuberculosis in Adolescents and Young Adults: Emerging Data on TB Transmission and Prevention among Vulnerable Young People

“…3.5.3. AYA Experiencing Homelessness, Substance Use, or Incarceration Adults who experience homelessness, harmful alcohol or drug use, or incarceration have documented excess risks for acquiring TB and for unfavorable TB outcomes, but very little is known about AYA with the same vulnerabilities [52][53][54][55]. The same immunologic, socioeconomic, and health systems factors that impair the health of these adults likely also give vulnerable AYA excess TB risks.…”