Sexual Behavior, Drug Use, and Aids Knowledge among Midwestern Runaways

Abstract

The authors evaluated sexual behaviors, drug use, and AIDS knowledge among Cleveland runaways (N = 108). Results indicated variable rates of risky sexual behaviors, minimal illicit drug use, and high levels of knowledge about true behavioral risks for HIV infection. These runaways demonstrated less frequent health-compromising sexual behavior and drug use compared to runaways described in other studies. Assumptions should not be made that all runaway youths engage in an unusually high rate of risky behaviors.

Trading sex: Voluntary or coerced? The experiences of homeless youth

“…Based on indepth interviews with homeless youth in the Midwest, we addressed the circumstances surrounding trading sex and the extent to which the decision to do so is voluntary. Although rates of trading sex tend to vary, many studies of homeless adolescents have found prevalence rates for trading sex to be less than 20% (Beech, Meyers, & Beech, 2002;Van Leeuwen et al, 2004;Whitbeck & Hoyt, 1999;Zimet et al, 1995). Similar rates of trading sex have been found among street samples of males and females but higher rates among males in shelter samples (Greene et al, 1999).…”

Homeless Youth: Characteristics, Contributing Factors, and Service Options

“…Homeless youths are particularly vulnerable to contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STD)s than their housed counterparts owing to risky sexual behaviors and intravenous drug use (Clatts, Goldsamt, Yi, & Gwadz, 2005;Kral, Molnar, Booth, & Watters, 1997;Zimet & Sobo, 1995). Specifically, early sexual experiences, having multiple sexual partners, and lack of condom use are sexual risk factors associated with HIV and frequently reported among homeless youth (Kral et al, 1997;Rotheram-Borus et al, 1992;Zimet et al, 1995).…”

“…Specifically, early sexual experiences, having multiple sexual partners, and lack of condom use are sexual risk factors associated with HIV and frequently reported among homeless youth (Kral et al, 1997;Rotheram-Borus et al, 1992;Zimet et al, 1995). Additionally, engaging in sex work as a means of income and survival on the streets puts homeless youths at further risk for HIV (Lankenau, Clatts, Welle, Goldsamt, & Gwadz, 2005).…”

Predictors of police harassment and arrests among homeless and runaway adolescents

“…Studies have reported that the street life is conducive to drug and alcohol use (Hagan & McCarthy, 1997;Incardi et al, 1993;Kipke et al, 1995cKipke et al, , 1997McCarthy & Hagan, 1992a;Pennbridge et al, 1992;Simons & Whitbeck, 1991;Sherman, 1992;Whitbeck & Hoyt, 1999;Yates et al, 1988;Zimet et al, 1995). Kipke and colleagues (1997) surveyed a representative sample of 432 homeless youth in Los Angeles, California, during 1994 and 1995, using DSM-m criteria to classify alcohol and drug abuse disorders.…”