Health and well-being of the homeless in South African cities and towns
SOURCE: Development Southern Africa
OUTPUT TYPE: Journal Article
PUBLICATION YEAR: 2010
TITLE AUTHOR(S): J.R.Seager, T.Tamasane
KEYWORDS: HEALTH, HOMELESS CHILDREN, HOMELESSNESS, POVERTY, STREET CHILDREN
DEPARTMENT: Public Health, Societies and Belonging (HSC)
Print: HSRC Library: shelf number 6258
HANDLE: 20.500.11910/4347
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11910/4347
OUTPUT TYPE: Journal Article
PUBLICATION YEAR: 2010
TITLE AUTHOR(S): J.R.Seager, T.Tamasane
KEYWORDS: HEALTH, HOMELESS CHILDREN, HOMELESSNESS, POVERTY, STREET CHILDREN
DEPARTMENT: Public Health, Societies and Belonging (HSC)
Print: HSRC Library: shelf number 6258
HANDLE: 20.500.11910/4347
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11910/4347
If you would like to obtain a copy of this Research Output, please contact Hanlie Baudin at researchoutputs@hsrc.ac.za.
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 quantitative and qualitative 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.-
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