THE IMPACT OF TEMPERATURE EXTREMES ON THE HEALTH OF THE HOMELESS POPULATION: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Global climate change represents one of the most pressing challenges of our time, broadly affecting life on Earth. In Brazil, the homeless population faces extreme vulnerability, marked by severe poverty, fragile family ties, and the absence of stable housing. Recent estimates indicate that approximately 236,400 people live in these conditions, predominantly in large urban centers, with 55% sleeping on the streets. This group faces multiple challenges that severely affect their physical and mental health, exacerbated by the lack of regular access to safe drinking water, adequate hygiene, and medical care. Despite the existence of public institutions dedicated to assisting the homeless population (HP) in Brazil, these services often remain inefficient and unable to meet the specific needs of this group. With the increasing frequency of extreme temperature events, new health approaches have become crucial in medical practice directed toward the HP. Hypothermia has emerged as one of the main causes of emergency visits and hospitalizations, especially among the most vulnerable, with potentially fatal outcomes. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures is also a growing concern, contributing to a significant increase in morbidities such as mental health crises, cardiovascular diseases, and acute kidney injury. As global temperatures rise, chronic health conditions such as heatstroke and respiratory diseases make these individuals particularly susceptible to severe complications. Action plans for periods of extreme temperature are essential measures to protect the homeless population. The continuous adaptation of early warning systems and the improvement of health service responsiveness are fundamental to mitigating the adverse impacts of extreme heat on homeless individuals. In this context, the objective of this study is to compile existing data and discuss the impact of temperature variations on the homeless population, considering the scarcity of studies addressing this topic and the high vulnerability of this group in the face of climate change.