Health Promotion Actions for the Homeless Population: A Literature Review Conducted in Brazil.

Abstract

This review aims to identify health promotion actions for the homeless population in the scientific literature. A bibliographic review was conducted, with searches performed in the following databases: Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, Embase, and Medline. The studies found were analyzed by two independent evaluators using the search strategy that screened 6,446 studies, of which 20 met the eligibility criteria. In the included studies, study design evaluations and level of evidence assessments were performed in addition to the extraction of information for data synthesis. The health promotion actions in the studies converged mainly on restoration, treatment, and prevention of health problems. The synthesis of the selected studies resulted in three categories involving sexual health, care for the promotion of physical health and a healthy lifestyle, and substance use reduction. The included studies evidenced health promotion actions that positively impact the health-disease process of people who are homeless. The importance of intensifying the development of studies for this population is emphasized, especially in developing nations.