Health and well-being of the homeless in South African cities and towns

Abstract

Little is known about the health and well-being of people who live on the streets although their lifestyle involves health risks. This study used qualitative and quantitative methods to explore the health status and health service needs of homeless people in several South African cities and towns. It was found in some cases that their own or family members' ill-health had contributed to their homelessness. Illnesses associated with poor living conditions or lifestyles were more common in the homeless than in the general population in certain age and sex categories. Access to healthcare was generally good in urban centres and most respondents were satisfied, although some reported discriminatory treatment. The risk profile of the homeless shows that systematic health promotion is required and that some health service providers need to be made more aware of the health needs of the homeless.health, well-being, homelessness, HIV/AIDS, alcohol and substance abuse, mental illness, violence, disability, access to health services, South Africa,

Health Problems and Barriers to Access and Utilisation of Health Care Services Among Street Children in Cameroon.

“…not accommodated) into health care facilities probably because of their poor dirty appearance, smell or lack of money. Similar results were also registered in other studies in East Africa and Sudan where negative attitudes towards street children were common when they went to seek health care in public health facilities, as some health care workers declined to offer medical treatment (4,11).…”

“…Man-made circumstances have deprived them of nutrition, education, medical assistance and sanitation (3,4). They face maltreatment on the streets, such as verbal, psychological, physical and sexual abuse, with no authority to report to (3).…”

“…Their work may include washing plates in restaurants, washing cars, guarding parked cars, assisting people to park at shopping centre's, carrying luggage, fetching water, shining shoes, selling flowers, selling sweets, working in market stalls, pick-pocketing, selling drugs, robbing stores and prostitution (4).…”

Homeless in Observatory, Cape Town Through the Lens of Max-Neef's Fundamental Human Needs Taxonomy

“…The 'absolutely homeless' people are seen as sleeping in the open one or more nights per week and/or making use of shelters for the homeless (Seager & Tamasane, 2010). Olufemi (2010) adds to the description of the homeless by indicating that they cannot meet basic needs or lack access to basic services such as water or sanitation, and cannot satisfy personal needs (Olufemi, 2010).…”

An Analysis Of, and Different Approach To, Challenges in Foster Care Practice in South Africa

“…For example, coloured homeless men are more likely to experience high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, emphysema or bronchitis and TB when compared to the general population of South Africa (Seager & Tamasane, 2010).…”