Resumo:
ABSTRACT
Caring for the homeless people living with HIV/AIDS and dependent on alcohol and other psychoactive substances is one of the current challenges faced in Brazil. National public health policies specific to this issue are recent and largely unknown, in addition to a set of challenges that different health professionals face on a daily basis when interacting with this population. In this sense, this dissertation seeks to provide insights for a better understanding of the work carried out in state public health services located in the municipality of Salvador, Bahia. The research aims to analyze a specific case: to identify the main problems that these professionals face on a daily basis in a state health center for the treatment of HIV/AIDS when dealing with individuals who are homeless, dependent on psychoactive substances and with HIV/AIDS, and also to understand the relationship between the state public health service and public health policies. To achieve these objectives, exploratory qualitative research was conducted, using both semi-structured interviews with various professional categories working at this health center and participant observation in some sectors of this service. The data analysis was based on existing theoretical references related to public health policies. The results showed that the lack of knowledge about public health policies in relation to this population and its specificities requires us to reflect on the care provided to this public, taking into account their psychosocial conditions and sociocultural vulnerabilities. In addition, the reception and shared care between interdisciplinary teams, intersectoral networks, and continuing education are fundamental elements for the development of National Public Policies aimed at this specific population.
Keywords: homeless population, drugs, HIV/AIDS, Health Services
