Health, disability, and consumption of psychoactive substances among people in a homeless situation in León (Nicaragua)

Abstract

ABSTRACT Nicaragua is one of the countries in Latin America with lowest levels of development. In Nicaragua, people in a homeless situation are one of the most socially excluded groups, and there is a lack of data regarding their characteristics, circumstances, and needs. This study examines the state of health, disability, and substance use among people living homeless (n = 68) in the city of León (Nicaragua). Sixty percent of the homeless people contacted responded to a questionnaire which was administered with the respondents by means of an interview. The findings showed that people living homeless in León had very negative states of health and disability, worse than those observed in other socially excluded groups in the same city and homeless people in more developed countries. The interviewees also presented a high level of substance abuse – mainly of alcohol and inhaled glue.