Homelessness and unstable housing associated with an increased risk of HIV and STI transmission among street-involved youth

Health Place. 2009 Sep;15(3):753-60. doi: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2008.12.005. Epub 2009 Jan 8.

Abstract

The role that environmental factors play in driving HIV and STI transmission risk among street-involved youth has not been well examined. We examined factors associated with number of sex partners using quasi-Poisson regression and consistent condom use using logistic regression among participants enroled in the At Risk Youth Study (ARYS). Among 529 participants, 253 (47.8%) reported multiple partners while only 127 (24.0%) reported consistent condom use in the past 6 months. Homelessness was inversely associated with consistent condom use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=0.47, p=0.008), while unstable housing was positively associated with greater numbers of sex partners (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR]=1.44, p=0.010). These findings indicate the need for interventions which modify environmental factors that drive risk among young street-involved populations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / etiology*
  • HIV Infections / transmission
  • Homeless Youth*
  • Housing*
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Poisson Distribution
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Assessment
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / etiology*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / transmission
  • Substance-Related Disorders
  • Unsafe Sex
  • Young Adult