Introduction:

In Medellín the social representations of health in people of the street are unknown.

Objective:

To understand the social representations of health and communicable diseases in homeless young, Medellín.

Materials and method:

Grounded theory with 20 persons belonging to an educational program for homeless young, selected by theoretical sampling. Interviews, field notes, participant and non participant were conducted; open, axial and selective coding were done; and methodological, research and theoretical triangulation. The criteria of credibility, auditability and transferability were applied.

Results:

Health is determined by the historical, social and empirical domains; it has three dimensions, environmental, physical and emotional, the last being a fringe element in the group studied. Health is multidimensional while the disease is confined to the physical; therefore, resources therapeutic are limited to the intervention of organic alterations. Intervention strategies for the disease revolve around self-care and peer attention; while institutionalized health services, particularly hospitals, representing negative spaces because in this places are stigmatized and the health professionals removal the protective barriers as “filth”. The group presents a theory of causation of communicable diseases linked to the environmental pollution and violence.

Conclusion:

The social representations of health in the study group are far from hegemonic visions that vindicate his holism, physical and environmental domains are at the center of its theoretical framework and practical against disease. MÉD.UIS. 2016;29(3):33-42.

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