Abstract

HURTADO GUTIERREZ, Mario; GIRALDO PINEDA, Álvaro  and  FORERO PULIDO, Constanza. The meaning of health for homeless children, Medellin, Colombia. Index Enferm [online]. 2011, vol.20, n.3, pp.147-150. ISSN 1699-5988.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S1132-12962011000200002.

It was made with homeless children in Medellin, Colombia. Objective: To know the meaning and practices according to their health. Methodology: Qualitative, ethnographic research; were made 34 interviews, ethics was an integral part of the process, the analysis was made with participants to ensure rigor. Results: The meaning of health is mediated by the possibility of survives. Pain is the main indicator of losing health and they try to counteract it. Habits focused to maintaining health are based in the self-care, prevent diseases that can be identified, and consuming drugs. To maintain health, they develop healthy habits and disease prevention. Losing health they resort to self-care, to support institutions and hospitals. Conclusions: The meaning of health depends on the way of life children have. When they lost the health, lost their freedom.

Keywords : Health; Social meaning; Homeless children.