Access to health services from the perspective of homeless people

Abstract

Objective: to identify the perception of homeless people about the barriers to guarantee access to health services. Method: qualitative, descriptive research carried out in a Specialized Reference Center for Social Care (CREAS) and a halfway house of a municipality in the northern region of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. The participants were 11 homeless individuals. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed through thematic analysis. Results: two moments were described: “living on the street” and “access to health”. In the process of living on the street, many people reported having become accustomed to the homeless situation. Access to health care occurred in emergency services due to situations of emergency. Positive and negative experiences were reported. Conclusion: it is believed that, by understanding the peculiarities of this population and its demands, better quality care can be offered.