Title : Marginalized and overlooked: The health needs of street dwellers in a city of North India
Abstract:
Background: Marginalized population refers to groups of disadvantaged people that are socially excluded or ignored due to social factors like economic status, race, caste, disability and many more.
Objectives: To investigate the health status, demographics, and healthcare utilization patterns of the marginalized street population in Lucknow, India.
Study design: Cross-sectional study.
Sample size: 100 participants recruited through snowball sampling in eastern Lucknow.
Data collection tools: Sociodemographic questionnaire, Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) to assess chronic diseases and Barriers to Health Services Utilization Questionnaire (BHSUQ). Results: The study population skewed towards males (64%) and middle age (65% between 35-60 years). A majority had low educational attainment (57% illiterate) and belonged to Other Backward Classes (OBCs, 38%). The prevalence of chronic diseases was not directly measured, but the study highlights the vulnerability of this population to various conditions like allergies, cardiovascular diseases, blindness, mental health issues, and infectious diseases. The research identified several barriers that prevent people from seeking healthcare, including lack of knowledge about available services and diseases, financial constraints and lack of insurance, transportation difficulties, negative experiences with healthcare providers (distrust, disrespect), cultural and language barriers and prioritization of basic needs over healthcare.
Conclusion & Recommendation: The study stressed need for improved access to healthcare services through awareness about available services, addressing transportation challenges, and potentially developing customized healthcare approaches; building trust by being sensitive to cultural differences and avoid discrimination; and addressing the root causes like poverty, lack of education, and social exclusion.
