Meaning of alterations in the health of children living in the streets

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The research was conducted in Medellín, Colombia. OBJECTIVE: The work sought to understand the meaning of diseases and their treatment for homeless children. METHODOLOGY: Ethnographic and qualitative research. Thirty interviews were carried out to homeless children and a field diary was kept. RESULTS: Diseases were classified as those caused by God and diseases or injuries caused by men; the latter can be prevented, but the first one cannot. Diseases caused by men can be severe, if they pose the risk of death and require hospital treatment; serious, when they jeopardize freedom; and mild, when they do not place at risk their independence and are treated through self-medication or culturally determined treatment. Diseases mean experience and injuries mean revenge, courage, and shame. CONCLUSION: Homeless children build the meaning of diseases from their experience, in relation to death and freedom.