Barriers to Healthcare Access for Homeless Women: Perspectives of Social Intervention Professionals

Abstract

(1) Background: Female homelessness is one of the most invisible forms of social exclusion, aggravated by structural and gender factors and by experiences of violence. This research analyzes the multifaceted barriers hindering women experiencing homelessness from accessing healthcare services, from the perspective of social intervention professionals. (2) Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using three focus groups with 21 professionals from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Lleida and Barcelona. An interpretative phenomenological approach guided data collection and analysis, and transcripts were examined through thematic analysis to identify common patterns in professionals’ meaning-making regarding healthcare barriers. (3) Results: Gender-based violence cuts across the life trajectories of most women experiencing homelessness, hindering their access to healthcare services. Barriers identified include lack of documentation, stigma and discriminatory treatment, limited access to specialized services, the absence of a gender perspective in healthcare, and a lack of coordination between social and health services. In addition, the study highlights the lack of preventive programs and health education tailored to this population. (4) Conclusions: It is essential to adopt a comprehensive, intersectional and gender-sensitive approach to safeguard the right to health for these women. Measures such as training for healthcare personnel, simplifying bureaucratic procedures, creating specialized resources, and improving inter-institutional coordination are proposed.