Health inequalities among homeless adolescents* Translated title: Desigualdades em saúde de adolescentes em situação de rua Translated title: Desigualdades en salud de adolescentes en situación de calle

Abstract

Objective:

highlight health inequalities of homeless adolescents based on the conceptual framework of social determinants of health.

Method:

this is a convergent parallel mixed-methods study. The population consisted of adolescents who are homeless, with purposeful sampling and data saturation. Quantitative data were obtained with a questionnaire and qualitative data through semi-structured interviews.

Results:

19 homeless adolescents participated in the study, 13 (68.4%) aged 16 to 19 years; 11 (57.9%) were male, 3 (15.8%) were female, and 5 (26.3%) were transgender adolescents. Participants experienced different levels of exposure and vulnerabilities to conditions that affect health and were directly related to intermediate determinants of health.

Conclusion:

this study provides an understanding of the inequalities related to the health of homeless adolescents and shows evidence that supports strategies to promote equity and dignity in health care.