Abstract
This study examines the access of homeless women to safe sex products and the support they receive from shelters concerning safe sex tools and practices. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with homeless women residing in inner-city shelters in Johannesburg, Gauteng. The study presents its findings through two articles, an introductory chapter, and a concluding chapter.
The first article offers a systematic review of literature that explores the experiences, barriers, and support encountered by homeless women in accessing safe sex products, in comparison to their housed counterparts. The review exposes negative perceptions held by professionals at shelters and healthcare centers regarding homeless women and safe sex products. These perceptions act as a hindrance to accessing safe sex products, while shelters play a minimal role in ensuring women have access to them.
The second article investigates the accessibility of safe sex products for homeless women and the type of support they receive from shelters. The study reveals that homeless women can easily access male and female condoms, as well as contraceptive pills, from local healthcare facilities without discomfort. However, safe sex products, information, and educational programs are unavailable within shelters.
In both studies, inconsistent access to safe sex products and related healthcare was identified, primarily due to the myriad of challenges faced by homeless women. Prioritizing sexual and reproductive health care becomes difficult due to limited access and power dynamics within sexual relations while being homeless.
Although the primary objective of this dissertation was not to compare findings with existing literature, notable differences emerged regarding homeless women's perspectives on healthcare professionals and shelters. In Western countries, as observed in most articles from the systematic review, healthcare professionals and services were deemed inaccessible. Conversely, in this study, they were perceived as accessible. Moreover, shelters were viewed negatively in terms of sexual and reproductive health, whereas their Western counterparts held a positive perception. Overall, this dissertation highlights the urgent need for organizations and professionals working with homeless women to alter their attitudes and ensure the availability of safe sex products.
The findings highlight the importance of addressing the specific needs of homeless women in accessing safe sex products and support services. Efforts should be directed towards transforming attitudes among professionals and organizations to improve the provision of safe sex resources for this vulnerable population.