The vulnerability of women living homeless in Nicaragua: A comparison between homeless women and men in a low-income country

Gender Disparity Among Homeless People: Evidence From a Territory-Wide Survey in Hong Kong

OBJECTIVE

This study examined gender differences and their impact on the livelihoods of the homeless population in Hong Kong, exploring variables such as homeless duration, mental health, social relationships, economic status, risky behavior, and welfare assistance utilization.

BACKGROUND

Gender inequalities worsen the health vulnerabilities of homeless women. While existing studies have focused on Western contexts, there is a lack of understanding in non-Western settings, especially in East Asian regions with a strongly patriarchal culture like Hong Kong.

METHODS

Based on gender socialization theory, the study analyzed quantitative data from the largest territory-wide study of Hong Kong's homeless population in 2021. Models included measures of duration of homelessness, reason for homelessness, health, mental health, economic status, risky behavior, social relationships, and the use of welfare assistance.

RESULTS

Homeless women had shorter homelessness duration (32.8 vs. 48.2 months for men) and more frequent connections with friends and families. Despite less risky behaviors, women faced more mental health issues (higher PHQ-2 and GAD-2 scores), poorer economic status (lower median income), and did not seek welfare assistance more actively than men.

CONCLUSION

Effective interventions require targeted outreach for invisible women, gender-specific and trauma-informed mental health services, and homeless-friendly policies accounting for gender disparities.

Assisting Homeless Women in a City in Brazil during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Context of a Street Outreach Office: The Perceptions of Health Professionals

This study aimed to understand the perception of Street Outreach Office professionals regarding the health care offered to homeless women during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a qualitative and descriptive study developed with nine health professionals of a Street Outreach Office team from a large city in the countryside of São Paulo State (Brazil) from December 2020 to April 2021. Data were obtained through interviews using a semi-structured script with questions about care practices directed to homeless women. The data were analyzed according to content analysis in the thematic modality. Two thematic categories were identified: (i) the reorganization of the Street Outreach Office to meet the demands of the population and (ii) the challenges in caring for homeless women during the pandemic. The activities were intensified with the team's expansion and distribution of supplies such as masks and alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Our findings showed that the primary problem faced was pregnancy during the pandemic. The lack of material and structural resources and social apparatus to care for homeless women was also evidenced. It was possible to conclude that even with all the adversities, the professionals employed creative strategies, contributing, within their limitations, to the care of homeless women.

Attention to Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health at the Street Outreach Office

The aim of study was to understand care strategies for homeless women, focusing on aspects of sexual and reproductive health from the perspective of Street Outreach Office strategy professionals. This is a qualitative study carried out in a large city in the countryside of São Paulo, Brazil. Data were collected from December 2020 to April 2021 through semi-structured interviews, and the results were obtained through content analysis and thematic modality. Nine health professionals participated in this study, and the analysis of the interviews allowed identifying three thematic categories: (i) being female and sex on the streets (violence and oppression); (ii) gynecology as a gateway to comprehensive care for homeless women; and (iii) pregnancy, puerperium and motherhood in the context of the streets. This study contributes to the reflection of professional practices within the Street Outreach Office, allowing the understanding of challenges in assisting homeless women, aiming to raise awareness of professionals and services that make up the health care network.