Background:

In Portugal, 45% of Homeless People (PSSA) are living on the street in the Lisbon metropolitan area. This population has economic, social and physical vulnerabilities. Regarding their health status, substance use, musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular and psychiatric problems are highlighted. The consequences of Alcohol Use Disorder (PUA) are reflected at the socioeconomic and health level, so it is relevant to know this problem in PSSA.

Aim:

To characterize the sociodemographic profile, health perception and alcohol consumption among the homeless population in the Lisbon metropolitan area.

Methods:

Cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational study. The instruments used were a sociodemographic questionnaire with health characterization built by the authors and the CAGE. Data collection was performed in the city of Lisbon during March 2018. Data analysis was performed with SPSS 25.

Results:

The sample consisted of 199 participants of both sexes. 49.2% had PUA, 56.8% smoked tobacco on a daily basis, and drug use was reported throughout life by 52.8% of participants. Statistically significant correlations were found between tobacco use, alcohol and illicit drugs consumption.

Conclusions:

Intervention with PSSA should be based on a holistic view of the person and the environment, risk reduction and harm minimization, and / or interruption of alcohol consumption. Health care needs highlights the importance of including nurses in multidisciplinary teams to support this population.

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