Health related challenges among homeless women in Addis Ababa, an exploratory study

Abstract

Background: Homeless women face a harsh reality of daily trauma, exposure to violence, extreme poverty, and limited access to necessities like clean water and sanitation. These conditions leave them more vulnerable to poor health than homeless men. However, bureaucratic hardships like the lack of a Kebele ID restrict their access to government healthcare, even though little is known about their health perceptions, preventative behaviors, and illness responses. Objective: To explore and understand the lived experiences of homeless women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia focusing on their health-related challenges. Methods: An exploratory phenomenological qualitative study design was used to address the objectives of the research through in-depth interviews and do comprehensive exploration of the health-related challenges of homeless women. The study was conducted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at a medical campaign organized by a a charity organization called, Kalkidan Children’s Health Care, for homeless people. A purposive sampling method was used to recruit the participants. Result: Homeless women in Addis Ababa face a harsh reality of constant threats of violence, exploitation, and health risks. While some healthcare organizations offer crucial services and a sense of hope, others fall short. The women navigate a system with concerns about misdiagnosis and discrimination, yet they also find moments of respectful care and support. These experiences highlight the need for improved cultural competency training for healthcare providers, dismantling socioeconomic disparities in care delivery, and increased support services to address the complex challenges homeless women face in securing their health and safety. Conclusion and Recommendation: Homeless women in Addis Ababa navigate a complex healthcare system, experiencing both positive and negative interactions. Despite remarkable resilience in the face of violence and limited access to quality care, concerns about misdiagnosis, discrimination, and a perceived disparity in treatment persist. These findings call for a multifaceted approach: improved cultural competency training for healthcare providers to ensure respectful treatment, dismantling socioeconomic barriers to care, and increased support services to address the complex challenges these women face. Ultimately, investing in their health and safety is not just a moral imperative, but a public health necessity to build a stronger, more resilient community.