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Baiden P, LaBrenz CA, Broni MN, Baiden JF, Adepoju OE. Prevalence of youth experiencing homelessness and its association with suicidal thoughts and behaviors: Findings from a population-based study. Psychiatry Res 2024; 334:115823. [PMID: 38430817 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Although various studies have examined factors associated with suicidal behaviors among youth, few studies have investigated the association between youth experiencing homelessness (YEH) and suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) using a large nationally representative sample. The objectives of this study were to investigate prevalence of YEH and its association with STBs. Data for this study came from the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. An analytic sample of 17,033 youth aged 14-18 (51.7 % male) was analyzed using binary logistic regression. Of the 17,033 youth examined, 3 % experienced homelessness during the past 30 days, 21.3 % experienced suicidal ideation, 17.3 % made a suicide plan, and 10.9 % attempted suicide during the past 12 months. Controlling for demographic characteristics and feeling sad or hopeless, YEH was associated with 2.48 times higher odds of experiencing suicidal ideation (AOR=2.48, p<.001), 2.46 times higher odds of making a suicide plan (AOR=2.46, p<.001), and 4.38 times higher odds of making a suicide attempt (AOR=4.38, p<.001). The findings of this study highlight the importance of identifying youth who are at risk of experiencing homelessness to ensure early interventions are put in place to prevent suicidal behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Baiden
- The University of Texas at Arlington, School of Social Work, 501 W. Mitchell St., Box 19129, Arlington, TX 76019, United States.
| | - Catherine A LaBrenz
- The University of Texas at Arlington, School of Social Work, 501 W. Mitchell St., Box 19129, Arlington, TX 76019, United States
| | - Marisa N Broni
- University of Ghana, School of Public Health, P. O. Box LG 25, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - John F Baiden
- East Airport International School, P. O. Box KAPM 57, KIA, Accra, Ghana
| | - Omolola E Adepoju
- University of Houston, Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine, 5055 Medical Circle, Houston, TX 77204, United States
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2
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Kim DH, Yop KJ, Han KJ. The influence of sexual violence on suicide risk among runaway youth in South Korea: The multiple additive moderating effect of peer attachment and parental attachment. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 149:106665. [PMID: 38335562 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Runaway youth without an adequate and safe place are vulnerable to sexual violence. Sexual violence is strongly associated with suicide risk, but peers and family are important factors in attenuating the negative outcomes of sexual violence; however, research on this relationship is insufficient because previous studies have focused only on runaway youth's problematic behavior. OBJECTIVE This study's specific aims were as follows: 1) to verify the association between sexual violence and suicide risk among runaway youth, and 2) to assess whether peer and parental attachment moderated the association between sexual violence and suicide risk among runaway youth. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING The participants comprised 232 runaway youth (51.3 % girls); more than half were aged 17-19 years and approximately two-thirds of them had experienced child abuse. METHODS Self-administered questionnaires were provided to the participating runaway youth in youth shelters in South Korea. The data were analyzed using a multiple additive moderating model that simultaneously included moderating and control variables. RESULTS In total, 18.5 % of runaway youth were exposed to sexual violence (10.6 % boys, 26.1 % girls). Sexual violence victimization affected suicide risk among runaway youth. Peer attachment alleviated the negative relationship between sexual violence and suicide risk, and acted as a protective factor. Although the moderating effect of parental attachment was not significant, it significantly influenced suicide risk. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate that runaway youth are vulnerable to sexual violence victimization, especially severe types of sexual violence. Our study verified the role of peer and parental attachment in the association between sexual violence and suicide risk among runaway youth. These findings suggest the need to improve positive peer and parent relationships to mitigate suicide risk among runaway youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Hyeon Kim
- School of Social Welfare, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kim Jae Yop
- School of Social Welfare, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ki Ju Han
- Youthsehlter FOR YOU, Republic of Korea
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3
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Gnaim-Mwassi N, Avieli H, Band-Winterstein T. Prostitution in the shadow of life-long sexual abuse: Arab women's retrospective experiences. J Elder Abuse Negl 2024; 36:117-147. [PMID: 38566491 DOI: 10.1080/08946566.2024.2331503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The present study uses the life-course and intersectionality perspectives to explore the meaning that aging Arab women attribute to their lived experiences of life-long sexual abuse in the shadow of engaging in prostitution. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was used to analyze the narratives of 10 older Arab women in Israel who were engaged in prostitution. Four themes emerged: experiencing childhood in the shadow of sexual abuse, becoming a prostitute, being entrapped in prostitution, and settling accounts with the native culture. Women aging in prostitution experience a harsh reality of abuse and loss. The present study points to multiple channels of abuse throughout the life course, from childhood until old age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Gnaim-Mwassi
- Minerva Center on Intersectionality in Aging, Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Hila Avieli
- Department of Criminology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Tova Band-Winterstein
- Minerva Center on Intersectionality in Aging, Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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4
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Rivas-Koehl M, Valido A, Espelage DL, Lawrence TI. Adults and Family as Supportive of Adolescent Sexual Development in the Age of Smartphones? Exploring Cybersexual Violence Victimization, Pornography Use, and Risky Sexual Behaviors. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:2845-2857. [PMID: 37316619 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02618-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Among adolescents, engagement in risky sexual behavior is an important public health concern. Research has begun to explore the impact of adolescents' online experiences with their social and behavioral health as approximately 95% of adolescents have access to a smartphone connected to the internet. However, little research has specifically examined how online experiences impact sexual risk behaviors among adolescence. To fill gaps in the existing research, the current study sought to investigate the association between two potential risk factors and three sexual risk behavior outcomes. We examined how experiencing cybersexual violence victimization (CVV) and using pornography during early adolescence was associated with condom use, birth control use, and use of alcohol and drugs before sex among U.S. high school students (n = 974). Additionally, we explored multiple forms of adult support as potential protective factors of sexual risk behaviors. Our findings suggest that CVV and porn use may be associated with risky sexual behaviors for some adolescents. In addition, parental monitoring and support from adults at school may be two ways to support healthy adolescent sexual development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Rivas-Koehl
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 905 S. Goodwin Ave., Bevier 167, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
| | - Alberto Valido
- School of Education, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Dorothy L Espelage
- School of Education, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Timothy I Lawrence
- School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, USA
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5
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Heerde JA, Bailey JA, Patton GC, Toumbourou JW. A population-based study of homelessness, antisocial behaviour and violence victimisation among young adults in Victoria, Australia. THE AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL ISSUES 2022; 57:762-782. [PMID: 36530738 PMCID: PMC9748854 DOI: 10.1002/ajs4.212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Homeless young adults are at increased risk for contact with the police and are overrepresented in the justice system. This study explored associations between homelessness, antisocial behaviour and violence victimisation using longitudinal panel data gathered through young adulthood. Data were drawn from a state representative population-based sample of young adults from Victoria, Australia participating in the International Youth Development Study (IYDS; n = 2884, 54% female). Participants were surveyed at age 21 years, with follow-up at ages 23 and 25 years. We examined changes in the prevalence of homelessness and tested hypothesised directional relationships between young adult homelessness, antisocial behaviour and violence victimisation using longitudinal cross-lagged panel models. Multiple-group modelling was used to test whether these relationships were moderated by gender. The prevalence of young adult homelessness was highest at age 21 (6.5%), declining at ages 23 (3.9%) and 25 years (2.5%). Results showed that young adult homelessness, antisocial behaviour and victimisation were related cross-sectionally, but not longitudinally. Gender did not significantly moderate these associations. Findings suggest that the state of homelessness is associated with temporary vulnerability to potentially harmful and problematic situations involving antisocial behaviour and victimisation. These situations are likely to heighten risk for contact with the police and direct physical and psychological harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A. Heerde
- Department of PaediatricsThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Social WorkThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Centre for Adolescent HealthRoyal Children’s HospitalMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Murdoch Children’s Research InstituteMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Jennifer A. Bailey
- Social Development Research GroupSchool of Social WorkUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - George C. Patton
- Department of PaediatricsThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Centre for Adolescent HealthRoyal Children’s HospitalMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Murdoch Children’s Research InstituteMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - John W. Toumbourou
- Centre for Adolescent HealthRoyal Children’s HospitalMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Murdoch Children’s Research InstituteMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- School of PsychologyCentre for Social and Early Emotional DevelopmentDeakin UniversityBurwoodVictoriaAustralia
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6
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Buitelaar J, Bölte S, Brandeis D, Caye A, Christmann N, Cortese S, Coghill D, Faraone SV, Franke B, Gleitz M, Greven CU, Kooij S, Leffa DT, Rommelse N, Newcorn JH, Polanczyk GV, Rohde LA, Simonoff E, Stein M, Vitiello B, Yazgan Y, Roesler M, Doepfner M, Banaschewski T. Toward Precision Medicine in ADHD. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:900981. [PMID: 35874653 PMCID: PMC9299434 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.900981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex and heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition for which curative treatments are lacking. Whilst pharmacological treatments are generally effective and safe, there is considerable inter-individual variability among patients regarding treatment response, required dose, and tolerability. Many of the non-pharmacological treatments, which are preferred to drug-treatment by some patients, either lack efficacy for core symptoms or are associated with small effect sizes. No evidence-based decision tools are currently available to allocate pharmacological or psychosocial treatments based on the patient's clinical, environmental, cognitive, genetic, or biological characteristics. We systematically reviewed potential biomarkers that may help in diagnosing ADHD and/or stratifying ADHD into more homogeneous subgroups and/or predict clinical course, treatment response, and long-term outcome across the lifespan. Most work involved exploratory studies with cognitive, actigraphic and EEG diagnostic markers to predict ADHD, along with relatively few studies exploring markers to subtype ADHD and predict response to treatment. There is a critical need for multisite prospective carefully designed experimentally controlled or observational studies to identify biomarkers that index inter-individual variability and/or predict treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Buitelaar
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Sven Bölte
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.,Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm, Sweden.,Curtin Autism Research Group, School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Daniel Brandeis
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Arthur Caye
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Developmental Psychiatry for Children and Adolescents, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nina Christmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Samuele Cortese
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, Academic Unit of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.,Clinical and Experimental Sciences (CNS and Psychiatry), Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.,Solent National Health System Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom.,Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, New York University Child Study Center, New York, NY, United States.,Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - David Coghill
- Departments of Paediatrics and Psychiatry, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephen V Faraone
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, NY, United States
| | - Barbara Franke
- Departments of Human Genetics and Psychiatry, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Markus Gleitz
- Medice Arzneimittel Pütter GmbH & Co. KG, Iserlohn, Germany
| | - Corina U Greven
- Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,King's College London, Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sandra Kooij
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location VUMc, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,PsyQ, Expertise Center Adult ADHD, The Hague, Netherlands
| | - Douglas Teixeira Leffa
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Developmental Psychiatry for Children and Adolescents, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nanda Rommelse
- Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Jeffrey H Newcorn
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Guilherme V Polanczyk
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luis Augusto Rohde
- National Institute of Developmental Psychiatry for Children and Adolescents, São Paulo, Brazil.,ADHD Outpatient Program and Developmental Psychiatry Program, Hospital de Clinica de Porto Alegre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Emily Simonoff
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Stein
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Benedetto Vitiello
- Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, Section of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Department of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MA, United States
| | - Yanki Yazgan
- GuzelGunler Clinic, Istanbul, Turkey.,Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Michael Roesler
- Institute for Forensic Psychology and Psychiatry, Neurocenter, Saarland, Germany
| | - Manfred Doepfner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty of the University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,School for Child and Adolescent Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Tobias Banaschewski
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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7
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Fornaro M, Dragioti E, De Prisco M, Billeci M, Mondin AM, Calati R, Smith L, Hatcher S, Kaluzienski M, Fiedorowicz JG, Solmi M, de Bartolomeis A, Carvalho AF. Homelessness and health-related outcomes: an umbrella review of observational studies and randomized controlled trials. BMC Med 2022; 20:224. [PMID: 35818057 PMCID: PMC9273695 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02423-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Homelessness has been associated with multiple detrimental health outcomes across observational studies. However, relatively few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted on people who experience homelessness (PEH). Thus, this umbrella review ranked the credibility of evidence derived from systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) of observational studies investigating the associations between homelessness and any health outcome as well as RCTs targeting health needs in this population. METHODS Several databases were systematically searched from inception through April 28, 2021. Any SR and/or MA reporting quantitative data and providing a control group were eligible for inclusion. The credibility of the evidence derived from observational studies was appraised by considering the significance level of the association and the largest study, the degree of heterogeneity, the presence of small-study effects as well as excess significance bias. The credibility of evidence was then ranked in five classes. For SRs and/or MAs of RCTs, we considered the level of significance and whether the prediction interval crossed the null. The AMSTAR-2 and AMSTAR-plus instruments were adopted to further assess the methodological quality of SRs and/or MAs. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was employed to further appraise the methodological quality of prospective cohort studies only; a sensitivity analysis limited to higher quality studies was conducted. RESULTS Out of 1549 references, 8 MAs and 2 SRs were included. Among those considering observational studies, 23 unique associations were appraised. Twelve of them were statistically significant at the p≤0.005 level. Included cases had worst health-related outcomes than controls, but only two associations reached a priori-defined criteria for convincing (class I) evidence namely hospitalization due to any cause among PEH diagnosed with HIV infection, and the occurrence of falls within the past year among PEH. According to the AMSTAR-2 instrument, the methodological quality of all included SRs and/or MAs was "critically low." Interventional studies were scant. CONCLUSION While homelessness has been repeatedly associated with detrimental health outcomes, only two associations met the criteria for convincing evidence. Furthermore, few RCTs were appraised by SRs and/or MAs. Our umbrella review also highlights the need to standardize definitions of homelessness to be incorporated by forthcoming studies to improve the external validity of the findings in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Fornaro
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science, and Odontostomatology, Federico Ii University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Dragioti
- Pain and Rehabilitation Centre, and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Michele De Prisco
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science, and Odontostomatology, Federico Ii University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Billeci
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science, and Odontostomatology, Federico Ii University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Mondin
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science, and Odontostomatology, Federico Ii University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaella Calati
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Piazza dell’Ateneo Nuovo, 1, 20126 Milan, Italy
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, Nimes University Hospital, 4 Rue du Professeur Robert Debré, 30029 Nimes, France
| | - Lee Smith
- Cambridge Centre for Health, Performance and Wellbeing, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Simon Hatcher
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON Canada
- Department of Mental Health, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON Canada
| | - Mark Kaluzienski
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON Canada
- Department of Mental Health, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON Canada
| | - Jess G. Fiedorowicz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON Canada
- Department of Mental Health, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON Canada
| | - Marco Solmi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON Canada
- Department of Mental Health, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON Canada
- Early Psychosis: Interventions and Clinical-Detection (EPIC) Lab, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, London, UK
- Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, Center for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Andrea de Bartolomeis
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science, and Odontostomatology, Federico Ii University of Naples, Naples, Italy
- UNESCO staff, Chair - “Education for Health and Sustainable Development”, University of Naples, Federico II Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - André F. Carvalho
- IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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8
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Fraser B, Chun S, Pehi T, Jiang T, Johnson E, Ombler J, McMinn C, Pierse N. Post-housing first outcomes amongst a cohort of formerly homeless youth in Aotearoa New Zealand. J R Soc N Z 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/03036758.2022.2088572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brodie Fraser
- Department of Public Health, Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo ki Pōneke – University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Saera Chun
- Department of Public Health, Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo ki Pōneke – University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Tiria Pehi
- Department of Public Health, Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo ki Pōneke – University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Terence Jiang
- Department of Public Health, Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo ki Pōneke – University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Ellie Johnson
- Department of Public Health, Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo ki Pōneke – University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Jenny Ombler
- Department of Public Health, Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo ki Pōneke – University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Nevil Pierse
- Department of Public Health, Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo ki Pōneke – University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
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9
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Kamke K, Stewart JL, Widman L. Multilevel Barriers to Sexual Health Behavior Among Vulnerable Adolescent Girls in the USA. SEXUALITY RESEARCH & SOCIAL POLICY : JOURNAL OF NSRC : SR & SP 2022; 19:822-833. [PMID: 36212514 PMCID: PMC9542138 DOI: 10.1007/s13178-021-00594-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Most sexual health interventions focus on individual-level predictors of sexual behavior. Given the considerable influence of environmental factors on adolescent girls' sexual health, current interventions may be insufficient to promote safer sex. In this study, we aimed to understand adolescent girls' anticipated barriers to engaging in safer sex behavior after completing a brief, web-based sexual health intervention called HEART. Methods This study used qualitative interviews with 50 adolescent girls who were recruited from community-based organizations that serve vulnerable youth. All participants were 12 to 19 years old (mean age=15.62, SD=1.83), and identified with a marginalized racial/ethnic group (58% Black; 18% Latinx; 24% Asian, biracial, or multiracial). Further, 24% identified as LGBTQ+, and 58% were sexually active. Results Guided by the social ecological model, we delineate six unique barriers to safer sex discussed by adolescents: partner manipulation, slut shaming, unclear sexual values, present time orientation, embarrassment, and access to sexual and reproductive health services. Discussion We conclude with recommendations for addressing these barriers to optimize adolescent girls' sexual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristyn Kamke
- Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - J. L. Stewart
- Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Laura Widman
- Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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10
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Chassman S, Barman-Adhikari A, Hsu HT, Ferguson KM, Narendorf SC, Maria DS, Shelton J, Petering R, Bender K. Prevalence and Correlates of Illicit Substance Use Among Young Adults Experiencing Homelessness in Seven Cities Across the United States. JOURNAL OF DRUG ISSUES 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/00220426211049355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Young adults experiencing homelessness (YAEH) engage in substantially higher substance use rates than housed young adults. This current study builds on previous research by investigating the prevalence of and salient correlates of illicit substance use across a seven-city sample. Methods This study used the Homeless Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey (HYRRS) dataset, n=1426 Young adults experiencing homelessness to study patterns and correlates of illicit substance use. Results Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess correlates of substance use. Study site, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, history of suicidal ideation, use of specific substances, and trading sex for drugs were associated with five types of illicit substance use (ecstasy, cocaine, crack, methamphetamine, and injection drug use). Conclusion Findings indicate that substance use interventions for YAEH must be multifaceted, addressing illicit and multiple substance use, along with the myriad factors associated with substance use among this at-risk group.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hsun-Ta Hsu
- School of Social Work, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | | | - Sarah C. Narendorf
- Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Diane Santa Maria
- Department of Research, Cizik School of Nursing, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jama Shelton
- Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Kimberly Bender
- Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
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11
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Smith-Grant J, Kilmer G, Brener N, Robin L, Underwood JM. Risk Behaviors and Experiences Among Youth Experiencing Homelessness-Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 23 U.S. States and 11 Local School Districts, 2019. J Community Health 2022; 47:324-333. [PMID: 35013979 PMCID: PMC9119052 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-021-01056-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Youth experiencing homelessness experience violence victimization, substance use, suicide risk, and sexual risk disproportionately, compared with their stably housed peers. Yet few large-scale assessments of these differences among high school students exist. The youth risk behavior survey (YRBS) is conducted biennially among local, state, and nationally representative samples of U.S. high school students in grades 9-12. In 2019, 23 states and 11 local school districts included a measure for housing status on their YRBS questionnaire. The prevalence of homelessness was assessed among states and local sites, and relationships between housing status and violence victimization, substance use, suicide risk, and sexual risk behaviors were evaluated using logistic regression. Compared with stably housed students, students experiencing homelessness were twice as likely to report misuse of prescription pain medicine, three times as likely to be threatened or injured with a weapon at school, and three times as likely to report attempting suicide. These findings indicate a need for intervention efforts to increase support, resources, and services for homeless youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Smith-Grant
- Division of Adolescent and School Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, NE, Mailstop US 8-1, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
- U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Greta Kilmer
- Division of Adolescent and School Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, NE, Mailstop US 8-1, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Nancy Brener
- Division of Adolescent and School Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, NE, Mailstop US 8-1, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Leah Robin
- Division of Adolescent and School Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, NE, Mailstop US 8-1, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - J Michael Underwood
- Division of Adolescent and School Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, NE, Mailstop US 8-1, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
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Adolescent Antecedents of Young Adult Homelessness: a Cross-national Path Analysis. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2022; 23:85-95. [PMID: 34181152 PMCID: PMC8712626 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-021-01267-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Adolescent and young adult health, development, and behavior lay a foundation for future population health. Increasing rates of young adult homelessness mean there is a need for research which generates evidence to support a stronger focus on population-level prevention. Using longitudinal data from a population-based sample of young adults participating in the cross-nationally matched International Youth Development Study, we examined adolescent antecedents of young adult homelessness in Washington State in the USA and in Victoria, Australia. Participants were surveyed using a modified version of the Communities That Care youth survey. Analyses of prospective, longitudinal data from 1945 participants, recruited as state-representative secondary school samples at grade 7 (average age 13, 2002) and longitudinally compared at young adulthood (average age 25, 2014), showed that young adults in Washington State reported higher rates of past year homelessness (5.24%) compared to those in Victoria (3.25%). Path modeling showed less positive family management strategies at age 13 uniquely increased risk for age 25 homelessness. This effect remained after accounting for age 15 antecedents in peer-group, school, and community environments. Friends' drug use, school suspension, academic failure, and low neighborhood attachment at age 15 mediated the association between less positive family management strategies at age 13 and age 25 homelessness. Despite observing some cross-national differences in levels of family, peer-group, school, and community antecedents, we found that these factors equally increased risk for age 25 homelessness in both states, suggesting similar cross-national influences for young adult homelessness. The findings indicate cross-nationally common adolescent antecedents for young adult homelessness that could be targeted by prevention strategies across international settings.
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Conard PL, Keller MJ, Armstrong ML. The Risks, Invisibility, and Health Issues Facing Women Veterans Who Are Homeless. Nurs Womens Health 2021; 25:471-481. [PMID: 34736917 DOI: 10.1016/j.nwh.2021.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Women veterans may experience a variety of traumatizing events and conditions before, during, and after their military service, such as intimate partner violence, military sexual trauma, moral injury, and posttraumatic stress disorder. These experiences put them at greater risk for significant behavioral and physical health sequelae, which can be associated with difficulty with civilian reintegration and complexities around homelessness. Homeless women military veterans are often uncounted, undergo different environmental situations than their male counterparts, and are vulnerable to sexual violence and unintended pregnancies. Identifying homeless women military veterans is an important first step; otherwise, they remain "invisible." Comprehensive, collaborative, interdisciplinary health care in which trust is established and care is holistic and individualized will produce the most optimal outcomes.
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Sex Differences in the Pathways from Exposure to Parental Fighting to Risky Sexual Activities Among Adolescents in Urban Neighborhoods. Matern Child Health J 2021; 26:424-433. [PMID: 34655424 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-021-03262-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Adolescents' exposure to violence between parents acts as a precursor to risky behaviors; however, empirical studies that examined the potential pathways from exposure to violence between parents to risky behaviors are rare. Consequently, the prevention and intervention strategies for risky sexual activities are limited without the identification of malleable mediators. METHODS Mediators on the association between adolescent exposure to parental fighting and risky sexual activities are examined, which include internalizing behaviors, running away from home, and affiliation with risky peers. Relationships between these variables are examined for males and females separately. The sample consists of 673 adolescents in a neighborhood located in Chicago's Southside who completed a survey. RESULTS Exposure to parental fighting was not directly associated with risky sexual activities for either males or females. However, among females, exposure to parental fighting was significantly and positively related to internalizing behaviors and running away from home, and internalizing behaviors were also positively associated with running away from home. For males, however, only the association between internalizing behaviors and running away from home was found to be significant. Further, the relationship between exposure to parental fighting and risky sexual activities was mediated by running away from home. CONCLUSIONS Targeted strategies for prevention are critical for improving sexual health outcomes among adolescents in low-resourced urban neighborhoods.
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Hallam KT, Fernandes M, Pavlis A. Better off alone? Comparing the substance use, mental health and trauma risks of youth alcohol and other drug service users either living in out of home care, living with parents or experiencing homelessness. Drug Alcohol Rev 2021; 41:467-475. [PMID: 34499779 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION All young people seeking assistance from youth alcohol and other drug services require support to help them minimise the harms from their substance use and continue to develop healthy and meaningful lives. A particular focus on young people in residential out of home care (OoHC) highlights the increased risks of substance use, mental health issues and continued vulnerabilities in this group. While in the past, research contrasted this group with young people living at home, this study contrasted young people in OoHC with homeless youths alongside those living with parents. METHODS The research contrasted these three groups of young people on substance use profiles, mental health and wellbeing and vulnerability to abuse (historic and current) in the Youth Needs Census conducted in Victoria and Queensland over 2013-2017. RESULTS The results demonstrate a clear risk of increased casual and daily methamphetamine use in the homeless youth group and occasional heroin use in the OoHC group. Mental health measures for both the OoHC and homeless youths were worse than the young people living at home. Trauma was similarly higher in these groups, with both historical and ongoing risks of violent crime for homeless youths. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrate the similar and serious health and wellbeing risks facing both youths in residential OoHC and homeless youths. These results are concerning as one of these groups is ostensibly in the care of the community and government, while the other group is experiencing unstable accommodation and associated physical risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen T Hallam
- Institute for Innovation in Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.,Centre for Youth AOD Research and Practice, Youth Support and Advocacy Service Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Marilia Fernandes
- Institute for Health and Sport/Psychology, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alexia Pavlis
- Institute for Health and Sport/Psychology, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Psychology and Counselling, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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Santa Maria D, Padhye N, Businelle M, Yang Y, Jones J, Sims A, Lightfoot M. Efficacy of a Just-in-Time Adaptive Intervention to Promote HIV Risk Reduction Behaviors Among Young Adults Experiencing Homelessness: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e26704. [PMID: 34255679 PMCID: PMC8292946 DOI: 10.2196/26704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People experiencing homelessness have higher rates of HIV than those who are stably housed. Mental health needs, substance use problems, and issues unique to homelessness such as lack of shelter and transiency need to be considered with regard to HIV prevention. To date, HIV prevention interventions for young adults experiencing homelessness have not specifically addressed modifiable real-time factors such as stress, sexual or drug use urge, or substance use, or been delivered at the time of heightened risk. Real-time, personalized HIV prevention messages may reduce HIV risk behaviors. OBJECTIVE This pilot study tested the initial efficacy of an innovative, smartphone-based, just-in-time adaptive intervention that assessed predictors of HIV risk behaviors in real time and automatically provided behavioral feedback and goal attainment information. METHODS A randomized attention control design was used among young adults experiencing homelessness, aged 18-25 years, recruited from shelters and drop-in centers in May 2019. Participants were randomized to either a control or an intervention group. The intervention (called MY-RID [Motivating Youth to Reduce Infection and Disconnection]) consisted of brief messages delivered via smartphone over 6 weeks in response to preidentified predictors that were assessed using ecological momentary assessments. Bayesian hierarchical regression models were used to assess intervention effects on sexual activity, drug use, alcohol use, and their corresponding urges. RESULTS Participants (N=97) were predominantly youth (mean age 21.2, SD 2.1 years) who identified as heterosexual (n=51, 52%), male (n=56, 57%), and African American (n=56, 57%). Reports of sexual activity, drug use, alcohol use, stress, and all urges (ie, sexual, drug, alcohol) reduced over time in both groups. Daily drug use reduced by a factor of 13.8 times over 6 weeks in the intervention group relative to the control group (Multimedia Appendix 4). Lower urges for sex were found in the intervention group relative to the control group over the duration of the study. Finally, there was a statistically significant reduction in reports of feeling stressed the day before between the intervention and control conditions (P=.03). CONCLUSIONS Findings indicate promising intervention effects on drug use, stress, and urges for sex in a hard-to-reach, high-risk population. The MY-RID intervention should be further tested in a larger randomized controlled trial to further investigate its efficacy and impact on sexual risk behaviors. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03911024; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03911024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Santa Maria
- Cizik School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Nikhil Padhye
- Cizik School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Michael Businelle
- TSET Health Promotion Research Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Yijiong Yang
- Cizik School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jennifer Jones
- Cizik School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Alexis Sims
- Cizik School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Marguerita Lightfoot
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies and UCSF Prevention Research Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Heerde JA, Bailey JA, Toumbourou JW, Rowland B, Catalano RF. Longitudinal Associations Between Early-Mid Adolescent Risk and Protective Factors and Young Adult Homelessness in Australia and the United States. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2021; 21:557-567. [PMID: 31965426 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-020-01092-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Homelessness is associated with a range of negative health and behavioral outcomes, yet life-course pathways to homelessness from adolescence to early adulthood are not well-documented. This study asks to what extent do early-mid adolescent risk and protective factors predict young adult homelessness, and whether the predictive nature of these factors is similar in Victoria, Australia, and Washington State in the USA. As part of the International Youth Development Study, adolescents were recruited as state representative secondary school samples at grade 7 (age 13, 2002) and longitudinally compared at average age 25. Higher rates of past year homelessness were reported by Washington State (5.24%), compared to Victorian young adults (3.25%). Although some cross-state differences in levels of adolescent demographic, individual, family, peer group, school, and community predictors were found, cross-state comparisons showed these factors were equally predictive of young adult homelessness in both states. In univariate analyses, most adolescent risk and protective factors were significant predictors. Unique multivariate adolescent predictors associated with young adult homelessness included school suspension (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.76) and academic failure (AOR = 1.94). No significant unique protective effects were found. Prevention and intervention efforts that support adolescents' academic engagement may help in addressing young adult homelessness. The similar cross-state profile of adolescent predictors suggests that programs seeking to support academic engagement may influence risk for homelessness into young adulthood in both states. The similarity in life-course pathways to homelessness suggests that the USA and Australia can profitably translate prevention and intervention efforts to reduce homelessness while continuing to identify modifiable predictors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Heerde
- Department of Paediatrics, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Jennifer A Bailey
- Social Development Research Group, School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - John W Toumbourou
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bosco Rowland
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard F Catalano
- Social Development Research Group, School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Carrellas A, Resko SM, Day AG. Sexual victimization and intellectual disabilities among child welfare involved youth. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 115:104986. [PMID: 33640733 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.104986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Youth with intellectual disabilities involved in child welfare systems are at greater risk of sexual victimization than youth who have not been investigated for child maltreatment. This study addresses a gap in the literature regarding older youth with intellectual disabilities who are sexually victimized and pushed to engage in transactional sex while they are transitioning from child welfare systems involvement. It does so by examining risk and protective factors at the individual, micro, exo, and macro systems levels. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING This study included 334 youth ages 18-19.5 from a nationally representative sample of 5,872 child welfare-involved youth. METHODS Multivariate logistic regression models were used to conduct a secondary analysis of the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being II to examine relationships between intellectual ability, social support, and community environment and sexual victimization and engaging in transactional sex. RESULTS Results indicate that 2.5 % of the youth experienced sexual victimization in the past 12 months, and 3.9 % had engaged in transactional sex in the past 6 months. The mean intelligence score for these youth was one standard deviation below average (M = 84.62, SD = 19.60). Being female was associated with experiencing sexual victimization (Odds Ratio = 17.29, p = .025). Higher intellectual ability scores were associated with lower odds of engaging in paid sexual activity (Odds Ratio = 0.92, p = .002). CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the need for early identification of intellectual disabilities among child welfare-involved youth, provision of informed social supports and services, and building community connections during transition to prevent sexual victimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Carrellas
- University of Toledo, College of Health and Human Services, School of Social Justice, 2801 West Bancroft Street, Toledo, OH, 43606, USA.
| | - Stella M Resko
- Wayne State University, School of Social Work, 5447 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA.
| | - Angelique G Day
- University of Washington, School of Social Work, 4101 15th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA.
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Substance Use among Homeless Reproductive Age People in Southern Ethiopia. Int J Reprod Med 2021; 2021:8272986. [PMID: 33816608 PMCID: PMC7987451 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8272986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Substance use by homeless reproductive age people may result to anxiety, involvement of risky sexual behaviors, and increasing the likelihood of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Therefore, this study assessed the magnitude of alcohol use, sexual intercourse after alcohol use, and its associated factors among homeless reproductive age people in southern Ethiopia. Methods Community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among homeless reproductive age people. The snowball sampling technique was used to recruit 842 participants. Pretested and structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data were entered into Epidata version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the association of independent variables with the outcome variables. Odds ratio with their 95% confidence interval and P value was used to identify the significant variables. Results More than half 423 (53.2%) of the respondents had taken a drink that contains alcohol in the last one year of the study period. Out of 324 khat chewers, 190 (58.64%) had sex after chewing khat. More than one-thirds, 323(38.4%) homeless people were smoking cigarette during the study period. Factors associated with alcohol use were age 19-25 years (AOR: 0.49; CI: 0.34, 0.72), ≥26 years (AOR: 0.40; CI: 0.25, 0.65), level of education (AOR: 0.61; CI: 0.39, 0.94), place of residence: major urban (AOR: 0.31; CI: 0.18, 0.51), small town (AOR: 0.38; CI: 0.23, 0.63), ever heard about STDs (AOR: 0.14; CI: 0.07, 027), and being a cigarette smoker (AOR: 2.67; CI: 1.94, 3.71). Conclusions In this study, significant percentage of respondents had taken a drink that contains alcohol. Age, level of education, place of residence, ever heard about STDs, and smoking cigarette were variables significantly associated with alcohol use. Awareness creation on the effect and outcome of substance use is recommended.
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20
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Head SK, Eaton D, Lloyd PC, McLaughlin A, Davies-Cole J. Exchange Sex Among High School Students-Washington, DC, 2017. J Adolesc Health 2021; 68:350-356. [PMID: 32680800 PMCID: PMC7855387 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Exchange sex, the exchange of money or nonmonetary items for sex, is associated with sexually transmitted diseases and HIV. We sought to identify prevalence and characteristics associated with exchange sex among District of Columbia (DC) high school students. METHODS We used the 2017 DC Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a cross-sectional survey of students in grades 9-12 (n = 8,578). We performed multivariable logistic regression to examine associations between exchange sex and demographic, home environment, and substance use measures. RESULTS In 2017, a total of 7.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.6-8.2) of students reported ever having engaged in exchange sex. Odds of exchange sex were higher among males (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.6-4.0) and students who had sexual contact with partners of both sexes (AOR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.2-4.9), compared with students having sexual contact with partners of opposite sex only. Exchange sex was also associated with having been kicked out, run away, or abandoned during the past 30 days (AOR: 10.7; 95% CI: 7.0-16.3]); going hungry during the past 30 days (AOR: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.1-4.5); and ever using synthetic marijuana (AOR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.3-5.0) or cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, or ecstasy (AOR: 2.9; 95% CI: 1.6-5.3]), compared with those who had not. CONCLUSIONS Approximately one in 14 DC high school students engaged in exchange sex. Programs providing services to youth with unstable housing, food insecurity, or who use drugs should incorporate sexual health services to address exchange sex practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara K. Head
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia,Address correspondence to: Sara K. Head, Ph.D., M.P.H., Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, Georgia, 30329. (S.K. Head)
| | - Danice Eaton
- Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development, Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Patricia C. Lloyd
- Center for Policy, Planning, and Evaluation, Department of Health, Washington, DC
| | - Aimee McLaughlin
- Data and Strategic Initiatives, Office of the State Superintendent of Education, Washington, DC
| | - John Davies-Cole
- Center for Policy, Planning, and Evaluation, Department of Health, Washington, DC
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Ayano G, Solomon M, Tsegay L, Yohannes K, Abraha M. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among Homeless People. Psychiatr Q 2020; 91:949-963. [PMID: 32415465 DOI: 10.1007/s11126-020-09746-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common among homeless people and is associated with an increased risk of mortality from suicide, medical causes, and drug-related problems. However, there are no previous systematic review and meta-analysis studies that reported the consolidated magnitude of PTSD among homeless people. A literature search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, and Scopus to discover pertinent studies that determined the prevalence of PTSD among the homeless. Articles were evaluated by titles, abstracts, and full-text. Comprehensive meta-analysis software was used to conduct the meta-analysis. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis were performed and Cochran's Q- and the I2 test were used to assess heterogeneity. The evidence of publication bias was evaluated by using Egger's test and visual inspection of the symmetry in funnel plots. From the total, 19 studies with 20,364 participants across seven countries were included in the final analysis. Our meta-analysis revealed that the pooled prevalence of PTSD among homeless people was 27.38% (95% CI; 21.95-33.57). In our subgroup analysis, we found that the prevalence of PTSD was considerably high as measured by the screening instrument (35.93%) than the diagnostic instrument (23.57% %). The prevalence of PTSD among homeless showed a significant variation by the location of the studies, the instruments used to measure PTSD as well as the quality of the included studies. This review showed that the pooled prevalence estimate of PTSD among homeless peoples was remarkably high (27.38%). Early screening and treatment of PTSD among homeless peoples are warranted to alleviate suffering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Getinet Ayano
- Research and Training Department, Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- School of public health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Perth, Western Australia, 6102, Australia.
| | - Melat Solomon
- Research and Training Department, Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Light Tsegay
- Department of Psychiatry, Aksum University, Aksum, Ethiopia
| | | | - Mebratu Abraha
- Department of Psychiatry, Paulo's millennium medical college, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Ayano G, Shumet S, Tesfaw G, Tsegay L. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of bipolar disorder among homeless people. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:731. [PMID: 32513264 PMCID: PMC7282102 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08819-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bipolar disorder (BD) is a common severe mental disorder among homeless people and is associated with an increased risk of disability and mortality from suicide, medical causes (including HIV/AIDS, hepatitis infection, hypertension, and tuberculosis), as well as substance use disorders. However, a systematic synthesis of the existing evidence on the subject is lacking. To fill this gap in the literature, this study aimed to carry out systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the consolidated prevalence of BD among homeless people. Methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched Embase, PubMed, and Scopus to identify pertinent studies that reported the prevalence of BD among homeless people in March 2019. Random effect meta-analysis was employed to pool data from the eligible studies. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis was conducted and Cochran’s Q- and the I2 test were utilized to quantify heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed by using Egger’s test and visual inspection of the symmetry in funnel plots. Results Of 3236 studies identified, 10 studies with 4300 homeless individuals were included in the final analysis. Among the 10 studies, five studies used the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental disorders (DSM), three studies used Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), one study used Schedule for Clinical Assessment of Neuropsychiatry (SCAN), and one study used Composite International Neuropsychiatric Interview (CIDI) to assess BD among homeless individuals. Based on the results of the random effect model, the prevalence of BD among homeless people was 11.4% (95% CI; 7.5–16.9). The prevalence of BD was 10.0% (95% CI; 3.1–27.9) in Europe and it was 13.2% (95% CI; 8.9–19.3) in other countries. Moreover, the prevalence of BD was 11.5% (95% CI; 5.5–22.3) for studies that used DSM to assess BD and it was 11.0% (95% CI; 6.1–19.2) for studies that used other instruments (MINI, SCAN, and CIDI). Conclusion Our meta-analysis demonstrated that BD is highly prevalent among homeless individuals, underlying the importance of early screening and targeted interventions for BD among homeless individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Getinet Ayano
- Research and Training Department, Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. .,School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.
| | - Shegaye Shumet
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Getachew Tesfaw
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Light Tsegay
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Axum University, Axum, Ethiopia
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Nilsson SF, Nordentoft M, Fazel S, Laursen TM. Homelessness and police-recorded crime victimisation: a nationwide, register-based cohort study. LANCET PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 5:e333-e341. [DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(20)30075-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Begun S, Weber A, Spring J, Arora SRA, Frey C, Fortin A. "This Research Is Cool": Engaging Youth Experiencing Homelessness in Research on Reproductive and Sexual Health. SOCIAL WORK IN PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 35:271-281. [PMID: 32631161 DOI: 10.1080/19371918.2020.1791296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Youth experiencing homelessness face myriad barriers and inequities regarding their reproductive and sexual health and rights. Moreover, homeless youth are often characterized as "disaffiliated" and depicted as difficult to engage in research. This study qualitatively explored homeless youths' attitudes, beliefs, and needs regarding reproductive and sexual health, and sought their perspectives on being involved in research on such topics, which are often thought of as "taboo" or sensitive. Youth were enthusiastic about openly discussing such issues, which they deemed as highly relevant to their daily lives. Youth identified that how they were engaged in such research, and having opportunities for longer-term contributions to such efforts, were both important and exciting to them. Future social work and public health research efforts should seek to further disrupt narratives of homeless youth as "disaffiliated" and difficult to engage, and in doing so, develop more creative, participatory, and youth-led opportunities for including this group in reproductive and sexual health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Begun
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto , Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ariel Weber
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto , Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joshua Spring
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto , Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Simran R A Arora
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto , Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cressida Frey
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto , Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alicia Fortin
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto , Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Dawson‐Rose C, Shehadeh D, Hao J, Barnard J, Khoddam‐Khorasani L(L, Leonard A, Clark K, Kersey E, Mousseau H, Frank J, Miller A, Carrico A, Schustack A, Cuca YP. Trauma, substance use, and mental health symptoms in transitional age youth experiencing homelessness. Public Health Nurs 2020; 37:363-370. [DOI: 10.1111/phn.12727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carol Dawson‐Rose
- University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of NursingSan Francisco CA USA
| | - Deena Shehadeh
- University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of NursingSan Francisco CA USA
| | - Jennifer Hao
- University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of MedicineSan Francisco CA USA
| | - Jasmine Barnard
- University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of NursingSan Francisco CA USA
| | | | - Adam Leonard
- University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of NursingSan Francisco CA USA
| | - Kristen Clark
- University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of NursingSan Francisco CA USA
| | - Eva Kersey
- Larkin Street Youth ServicesSan Francisco CA USA
| | | | - Julie Frank
- Larkin Street Youth ServicesSan Francisco CA USA
| | - Aaron Miller
- University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of NursingSan Francisco CA USA
| | | | - Amy Schustack
- University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of NursingSan Francisco CA USA
| | - Yvette P. Cuca
- University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of NursingSan Francisco CA USA
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Tyler KA, Schmitz RM. Childhood Disadvantage, Social and Psychological Stress, and Substance Use Among Homeless Youth: A Life Stress Framework. YOUTH & SOCIETY 2020; 52:272-287. [PMID: 34305191 PMCID: PMC8302216 DOI: 10.1177/0044118x18767032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We used a life stress framework to examine linkages between distal or primary stressors (e.g., child abuse) and proximal or secondary stressors (e.g., street victimization) and their association with substance use among 150 youth experiencing homelessness in the Midwestern United States. Results revealed that numerous primary stressors such as number of times youth ran from home and number of foster care placements were associated with secondary stressors, such as anxiety, total duration of homelessness, and street victimization. Only street physical victimization (e.g., been beaten up since leaving home) was associated with greater substance use. Our findings provide a more holistic picture of both distal and proximal life stressors that these young people experience and reveal the complexity of issues that service providers must acknowledge when working with this population.
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Santa Maria DM, Breeden K, Drake SA, Narendorf SC, Barman-Adhikari A, Petering R, Hsu HT, Shelton J, Ferguson-Colvin K, Bender K. Gaps in Sexual Assault Health Care Among Homeless Young Adults. Am J Prev Med 2020; 58:191-198. [PMID: 31859174 PMCID: PMC11006393 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2019.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Young adults experiencing homelessness are at increased risk for sexual assault. Receiving a post-sexual assault examination has important implications for HIV and unintended pregnancy prevention; yet, utilization is not well understood. In a population at elevated risk for HIV, unintended pregnancy, and sexual violence, identifying barriers and facilitators to post-sexual assault examination is imperative. METHODS As part of a large, multisite study to assess youth experiencing homelessness across 7 cities in the U.S, a cross-sectional survey was conducted between June 2016 and July 2017. Data were analyzed in 2019 to determine the prevalence and correlates of sexual violence and examine the correlates of post-sexual assault examination utilization. RESULTS Respondents (n=1,405), aged 18-26 years, were mainly youth of color (38% black, 17% Latinx) and identified as cisgender male (59%) and lesbian, gay, bisexual, or queer (29%). HIV risks were high: 23% of participants had engaged in trade sex, 32% had experienced sexual assault as a minor, and 39% had experienced sexual exploitation. Young adults reported high rates of sexual assault (22%) and forced sex (24%). Yet, only 29% of participants who were forced to have sex received a post-sexual assault examination. Latinx young adults were more likely than other races/ethnicities to receive post-assault care. Participants frequently said they did not get a post-sexual assault exam because they did not want to involve the legal system and did not think it was important. CONCLUSIONS Interventions are needed to increase use of preventive care after experiencing sexual assault among young adults experiencing homelessness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane M Santa Maria
- Cizik School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas.
| | - Khara Breeden
- Texas County Forensic Nurse Examiners, Houston, Texas
| | - Stacy A Drake
- Cizik School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Sarah C Narendorf
- Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Robin Petering
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Hsun-Ta Hsu
- School of Social Work, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Jama Shelton
- Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, New York, New York
| | | | - Kimberly Bender
- Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado
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Heerde JA, Bailey JA, Toumbourou JW, Rowland B, Catalano RF. Prevalence of homelessness and co-occurring problems: A comparison of young adults in Victoria, Australia and Washington State, United States. CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW 2020; 109:10.1016/j.childyouth.2019.104692. [PMID: 32139951 PMCID: PMC7058145 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2019.104692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Homelessness is associated with various co-occurring health and social problems yet; few contemporary international studies have examined these problems in young adulthood. This descriptive study presents cross-state comparison of the prevalence of young adult homelessness in Washington State, USA and Victoria, Australia using state representative samples from the International Youth Development Study (IYDS; n = 1,945, 53% female). Associations between young adult homelessness and a range of co-occurring problems were examined using a modified version of the Communities That Care youth survey. Results showed significantly higher rates of past year homelessness were reported by young adults in Washington State (5.24% vs. 3.25% in Victoria). Cross-state differences were evident in levels of friends' drug use, antisocial behavior, weekly income and support from peers. Unemployment (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 2.67), antisocial behavior (AOR = 3.54) and victimization (AOR = 3.37) were more likely among young adults reporting homelessness in both states. Young adults with higher weekly income were less likely to report homelessness (AOR = .69) in both states. No significant association between mental health problem symptoms, substance use, family conflict or interaction with antisocial peers and homelessness were found in either state. Rates of violent behavior were more strongly related to young adult homelessness in Washington State than Victoria. The current findings suggest that programs that enable young adults to pursue income and employment, reduce antisocial behavior and include services for those who have been victimized, may help to mitigate harm among young adults experiencing homelessness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Heerde
- Department of Paediatrics, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Australia
| | - Jennifer A Bailey
- Social Development Research Group, School of Social Work, University of Washington, USA
| | - John W Toumbourou
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University; Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Australia
| | | | - Richard F Catalano
- Social Development Research Group, School of Social Work, University of Washington
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Abstract
Globally, suicide is a major public health problem among homeless people. Suicidal ideation and attempt are remarkably higher among homeless people as compared to the general population and they are linked with greater risk of complete suicide. However, no systematic review and meta-analysis has been conducted to report the consolidated magnitude of suicidal ideation and attempt among homeless people. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Scopus to identify pertinent studies on suicidal ideation and attempt among homeless people. A meta-analysis of the studies was conducted using a random effect model. We also conducted a sensitivity analysis and Cochran's Q- and the I2 test was employed to evaluate heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed by Egger's test and visual inspection of the symmetry in funnel plots. In total, 20 eligible studies with 27,497 homeless people matched the inclusion criteria. Nineteen studies assessed suicidal attempt and thirteen studies assessed suicidal ideation among homeless people. The pooled current and lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation was 17.83% (95% CI;10.73-28.14) and 41.60% (95% CI; 28.55-55.95), respectively whereas the pooled current and lifetime prevalence of suicidal attempt was 9.16% (95% CI;4.10-19.20) and 28.80% (95% CI; 21.66-37.18), respectively. We found a considerable heterogeneity between the studies, but we found no significant publication bias. The current review revealed a remarkably higher magnitude of suicidal ideation and attempt among homeless people as compared to the estimated prevalence in the general population. The concerned stakeholders need to give attention to address this problem emphasizing more on prevention and treatment strategies as well as utilizing holistic approaches to address the potential predictors of suicide among homeless people including physical, mental, and substance use problems.
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Santa Maria D, Flash CA, Narendorf S, Barman-Adhikari A, Petering R, Hsu HT, Shelton J, Bender K, Ferguson K. Knowledge and Attitudes About Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Young Adults Experiencing Homelessness in Seven U.S. Cities. J Adolesc Health 2019; 64:574-580. [PMID: 30254009 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Evidence suggests that young adults experiencing homelessness (YEH) are at elevated risk of HIV compared to housed youth. Given the limited research on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) awareness among YEH, this study examined their PrEP knowledge and attitudes. METHODS Data from a cross-sectional survey among YEH (ages 18-26) (n = 1,427) in seven U.S. cities were used to assess their knowledge and attitudes regarding PrEP to inform HIV prevention efforts. RESULTS Participants were primarily male youth of color. The mean age was 20.9years. While 66% felt at risk for HIV, only 14% strongly agreed that they try to protect themselves from getting infected with HIV. Most (84%) were eligible for PrEP based on risk, yet only 29% had knowledge of PrEP. Despite this, 59% reported they were likely/extremely likely to take PrEP. Access to free PrEP (55%), HIV testing (72%), healthcare (68%), and one-on-one (62%), and text messaging support (57%) were rated as very/extremely important for PrEP uptake and adherence. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest missed opportunities to prevent new HIV infections among YEH. Efforts to increase PrEP uptake among this population should consider provider- and system-level interventions to increase PrEP awareness, decrease PrEP-associated healthcare costs, improve access to PrEP providers, and provide in-person and text messaging support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Santa Maria
- Department of Nursing Systems, Cizik School of Nursing, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas.
| | - Charlene A Flash
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Baylor College of Medicine and Legacy Community Health, Houston, Texas.
| | - Sarah Narendorf
- Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, Texas.
| | | | - Robin Petering
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Hsun-Ta Hsu
- School of Social Work, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.
| | - Jama Shelton
- Silberman School of Social Work, at Hunter College, New York, New York.
| | - Kimberly Bender
- Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado.
| | - Kristin Ferguson
- School of Social Work, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona.
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Henwood BF, Redline B, Dzubur E, Madden DR, Rhoades H, Dunton GF, Rice E, Semborski S, Tang Q, Intille SS. Investigating Health Risk Environments in Housing Programs for Young Adults: Protocol for a Geographically Explicit Ecological Momentary Assessment Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2019; 8:e12112. [PMID: 30632969 PMCID: PMC6329898 DOI: 10.2196/12112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Young adults who experience homelessness are exposed to environments that contribute to risk behavior. However, few studies have examined how access to housing may affect the health risk behaviors of young adults experiencing homelessness. Objective This paper describes the Log My Life study that uses an innovative, mixed-methods approach based on geographically explicit ecological momentary assessment (EMA) through cell phone technology to understand the risk environment of young adults who have either enrolled in housing programs or are currently homeless. Methods For the quantitative arm, study participants age 18-27 respond to momentary surveys via a smartphone app that collects geospatial information repeatedly during a 1-week period. Both EMAs (up to 8 per day) and daily diaries are prompted to explore within-day and daily variations in emotional affect, context, and health risk behavior, while also capturing infrequent risk behaviors such as sex in exchange for goods or services. For the qualitative arm, a purposive subsample of participants who indicated engaging in risky behaviors are asked to complete an in-depth qualitative interview using an interactive, personalized geospatial map rendering of EMA responses. Results Recruitment began in June of 2017. To date, 170 participants enrolled in the study. Compliance with EMA and daily diary surveys was generally high. In-depth qualitative follow-ups have been conducted with 15 participants. We expect to recruit 50 additional participants and complete analyses by September of 2019. Conclusions Mixing the quantitative and qualitative arms in this study will provide a more complete understanding of differences in risk environments between homeless and housed young adults. Furthermore, this approach can improve recall bias and enhance ecological validity. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/12112
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin F Henwood
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Brian Redline
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Eldin Dzubur
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Danielle R Madden
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Harmony Rhoades
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Genevieve F Dunton
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Eric Rice
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sara Semborski
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Qu Tang
- College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Stephen S Intille
- College of Computer and Information Science and Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
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Armstrong JM, Owens CR, Haskett ME. Mental Health of Homeless Youth: Moderation by Peer Victimization and Teacher Support. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2018; 49:681-687. [PMID: 29445938 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-018-0790-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The link between youth homelessness and mental health functioning was examined using state population-representative 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) data. The moderating role of victimization and perceived teacher support also was examined. Consistent with hypotheses, results indicated that homelessness was associated with greater mental health challenges, more victimization, and less teacher support. The association between homelessness and mental health was not moderated by perceived teacher support. However, victimization experiences served as a moderator such that more victimization exacerbated the effect of homelessness on mental health challenges. This study supports the utility of the YRBS for gaining understanding of the experiences and needs of youth experiencing homelessness and adds to the growing literature on predictors of individual differences in mental health functioning of these vulnerable youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna M Armstrong
- Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University, Box 7650, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Caitlyn R Owens
- Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University, Box 7650, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Mary E Haskett
- Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University, Box 7650, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA.
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Santa Maria D, Padhye N, Yang Y, Gallardo K, Businelle M. Predicting Sexual Behaviors Among Homeless Young Adults: Ecological Momentary Assessment Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2018; 4:e39. [PMID: 29636318 PMCID: PMC5915668 DOI: 10.2196/publichealth.9020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Revised: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Homeless youth continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV compared with their housed peers, with prevalence rates as high as 13%. Yet, HIV prevention in this high-risk population has been only marginally effective. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to use ecological momentary assessments to examine real-time factors to determine the predictors of sexual activity among homeless youth. METHODS Youth experiencing homelessness aged between 18 and 24 years were recruited from a drop-in center in Houston, Texas, between August 2015 and May 2016. All the participants received a study-issued mobile phone that prompted brief ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) 5 times a day for 21 days. EMA items assessed near real-time sexual behaviors, cognitions, stress, affect, environmental factors, and environmental circumstances. RESULTS Participants (N=66) were predominantly male (41/66, 64%) and black (43/66, 66%) with a median age of 20 years. The mean number of EMAs completed by each participant was 45 out of 105 possible observations. During the study, 70% (46/66) of participants were sexually active and reported condomless sex in 102 of the 137 cases of sexual intercourse (74.5%). In total, 82% (38/46) of the youth who reported having sex during the 3 weeks of data collection also reported engaging in high-risk sexual activities, including having condomless sex (24/46, 53%), having multiple sexual partners on the same day (12/46, 26%), trading sex (7/46, 16%), and sharing needles while injecting drugs (1/46, 3%). Of those, 71% (27/38) were engaged in multiple sexual risk behaviors. The predictive model was based on observations from 66 subjects who reported 137 cases of sexual intercourse over 811 days; sexual orientation, race, mental health, drug use, and sexual urge were included as predictors in the parsimonious generalized linear mixed model selected on the basis of the Akaike information criterion. The estimated odds ratios (ORs) were notable for same-day drug use (OR 2.17, 95% CI 4.48-17.31; P<.001) and sexual urge (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.60-11.28; P=.004). The performance of the risk estimator was satisfactory, as indicated by the value of 0.834 for the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. CONCLUSIONS Real-time EMA data can be used to predict sexual intercourse among a sample of high-risk, predominately unsheltered homeless youth. Sexual urge and drug use accounts for increased odds of engaging in sexual activity on any given day. Interventions targeting sexual urge and drug use may help predict sexual activity among a population at high risk of HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Santa Maria
- School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Nikhil Padhye
- School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yijiong Yang
- School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Kathryn Gallardo
- School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Michael Businelle
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
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Bender K, Begun S, Durbahn R, Ferguson K, Schau N. My Own Best Friend: Homeless Youths' Hesitance to Seek Help and Strategies for Coping Independently after Distressing and Traumatic Experiences. SOCIAL WORK IN PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 33:149-162. [PMID: 29377774 DOI: 10.1080/19371918.2018.1424062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Although homeless youth face extreme adversities, they are often hesitant to seek help from formal and informal supports. The current study qualitatively explored homeless youths' reasons for coping independently and their strategies for doing so. Youth accessing services (N = 145) in three U.S. cities were interviewed about their rationales for not seeking help from others regarding distressing experiences. Analyses illustrated specific barriers to help seeking that prompted homeless youth to cope on their own by utilizing soothing, avoidant, aggressive, and introspective coping strategies. Implications for outreaching to those least likely to seek help are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Bender
- a Graduate School of Social Work , University of Denver , Denver , Colorado , USA
| | - Stephanie Begun
- b Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work , University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario , Canada
| | - Rebecca Durbahn
- a Graduate School of Social Work , University of Denver , Denver , Colorado , USA
| | - Kristin Ferguson
- c School of Social Work , Arizona State University , Phoenix , Arizona , USA
| | - Nick Schau
- a Graduate School of Social Work , University of Denver , Denver , Colorado , USA
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Boyer CB, Greenberg L, Chutuape K, Walker B, Monte D, Kirk J, Ellen JM. Exchange of Sex for Drugs or Money in Adolescents and Young Adults: An Examination of Sociodemographic Factors, HIV-Related Risk, and Community Context. J Community Health 2018; 42:90-100. [PMID: 27498094 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-016-0234-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this research was to examine associations among sociodemographic factors, HIV risk, and community context (e.g., economic insecurity, job training, housing instability, crime victimization, and perceived community norms) in adolescents and young adults who ever exchanged sex for drugs or money. Anonymous survey data were collected using ACASIs at community venues where adolescents and young adults congregate in resource-challenged, STI prevalent, urban, US neighborhoods. Conventional descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact tests, and generalized estimating equations approaches were used to examine associations. Participants (1818, 95.5 % of those screened eligible) were, on average, aged 21.0 years; 42.2 % were males, and 4.6 % were transgender. Almost one-third (32.1 %) identified as gay or lesbian, 18.1 % identified as bisexual; 66.2 % were Black and 21.0 % were Hispanic; 1.3 % was 'living on the street'. A sizeable proportion reported HIV-related risk: 16.3 % exchanged sex, 12.6 % had sex with someone they knew to be HIV-infected, 7.8 % had sex with someone who injected drugs, and 1.3 % injected drugs. Multivariate comparisons identified a number of variables (e.g., being male or transgender, homelessness, sex with a partner who has HIV, STI history, unemployment, job training access, housing instability, crime victimization, perceived community norms) that were significantly associated with exchange of sex (p < 0.05). This research contributes to the knowledge-base regarding exchange of sex among adolescents and young adults, particularly as it relates to community context. Longitudinal studies to describe the trajectory of social, health, and physical risks and consequences are needed for development of effective evidence-based prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherrie B Boyer
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, 3333 California Street, Suite 245, San Francisco, CA, 94118, USA.
| | | | - Kate Chutuape
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bendu Walker
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Jonathan M Ellen
- All Children's Hospital Johns Hopkins Medicine, St. Petersburg, FL, USA
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Heerde JA, Hemphill SA, Scholes-Balog KE. The impact of transitional programmes on post-transition outcomes for youth leaving out-of-home care: a meta-analysis. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2018; 26:e15-e30. [PMID: 27109440 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Youth residing in out-of-home care settings have often been exposed to childhood trauma, and commonly report experiencing adverse outcomes after transitioning from care. This meta-analysis appraised internationally published literature investigating the impact of transitional programme participation (among youth with a baseline age of 15-24 years) on post-transition outcomes of housing, education, employment, mental health and substance use. A comprehensive search of sociology (e.g. ProQuest Sociology), psychology (e.g. PsycInfo) and health (e.g. ProQuest Family Health) electronic abstraction databases was conducted for the period 1990-2014. Search terms included 'out-of-home care', 'transition', 'housing', 'education', 'employment', 'mental health' and 'substance use'. Nineteen studies, all from the United States, met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Living independently and homelessness were the most commonly described housing outcomes. Rates of post-transition employment varied, while rates of post-secondary education were low. Depression and alcohol use were commonly reported among transitioning youth. Findings of the meta-analysis showed that attention should be given to the potential benefit of transitional programme participation on outcomes such as housing, employment and education. Moderator analyses showed that these benefits may differ based on study design, sample size and sampling unit, but not for mean age or gender. Detailed and rigorous research is needed internationally to examine the characteristics of transitional programmes resulting in more successful outcomes for youth, and whether these outcomes are sustained longitudinally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Heerde
- Learning Sciences Institute Australia, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sheryl A Hemphill
- Learning Sciences Institute Australia, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kirsty E Scholes-Balog
- Learning Sciences Institute Australia, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
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Oliveras I, Losilla JM, Vives J. Methodological quality is underrated in systematic reviews and meta-analyses in health psychology. J Clin Epidemiol 2017; 86:59-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Cronley C, Hohn K, Nahar S. Reproductive health rights and survival: The voices of mothers experiencing homelessness. Women Health 2017; 58:320-333. [PMID: 28278012 DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2017.1296060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Women experiencing homelessness report higher rates of reproductive health-related traumas, including unplanned pregnancy, miscarriage, and abortion than their non-homeless peers. Using phenomenological hermeneutic methods, we sought to understand the reproductive health histories of women currently experiencing homelessness (N = 20, 25-61 years old, Mage = 38.33, SDage = 9.33) analyzing data collected between June 2014 and July 2015 in north central Texas. Three key themes highlight the essence of the women's experiences: (1) unexpected pregnancy-pregnancy just happened, (2) loss of reproductive health rights-I was broken, and (3) resilience-giving back and looking forward to good things. Many of the women became mothers through unexpected pregnancies, and overnight found that their lives were transformed irrevocably. Often unexpected pregnancy was the result or cause of a lack of ownership over their reproductive health and led to prolonged health-related traumas. Over time, though, many of the women whom we interviewed re-expressed resilience through social support, housing assistance, and a sense of giving back to society. Results indicate that reproductive health care providers require training to identify the relationship among unexpected pregnancy, reproductive health-related traumas, and housing insecurity. Providers can help preserve women's reproductive health rights through education and empowerment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Cronley
- a School of Social Work , The University of Texas at Arlington , Arlington , Texas , USA
| | - Kris Hohn
- a School of Social Work , The University of Texas at Arlington , Arlington , Texas , USA
| | - Shamsun Nahar
- a School of Social Work , The University of Texas at Arlington , Arlington , Texas , USA
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Embleton L, Lee H, Gunn J, Ayuku D, Braitstein P. Causes of Child and Youth Homelessness in Developed and Developing Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Pediatr 2016; 170:435-44. [PMID: 27043891 PMCID: PMC5497301 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2016.0156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE A systematic compilation of children and youth's reported reasons for street involvement is lacking. Without empirical data on these reasons, the policies developed or implemented to mitigate street involvement are not responsive to the needs of these children and youth. OBJECTIVE To systematically analyze the self-reported reasons why children and youth around the world become street-involved and to analyze the available data by level of human development, geographic region, and sex. DATA SOURCES Electronic searches of Scopus, PsychINFO, EMBASE, POPLINE, PubMed, ERIC, and the Social Sciences Citation Index were conducted from January 1, 1990, to the third week of July 2013. We searched the peer-reviewed literature for studies that reported quantitative reasons for street involvement. The following broad search strategy was used to search the databases: "street children" OR "street youth" OR "homeless youth" OR "homeless children" OR "runaway children" OR "runaway youth" or "homeless persons." STUDY SELECTION Studies were included if they met the following inclusion criteria: (1) participants were 24 years of age or younger, (2) participants met our definition of street-connected children and youth, and (3) the quantitative reasons for street involvement were reported. We reviewed 318 full texts and identified 49 eligible studies. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Data were extracted by 2 independent reviewers. We fit logistic mixed-effects models to estimate the pooled prevalence of each reason and to estimate subgroup pooled prevalence by development level or geographic region. The meta-analysis was conducted from February to August 2015. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES We created the following categories based on the reported reasons in the literature: poverty, abuse, family conflict, delinquency, psychosocial health, and other. RESULTS In total, there were 13 559 participants from 24 countries, of which 21 represented developing countries. The most commonly reported reason for street involvement was poverty, with a pooled-prevalence estimate of 39% (95% CI, 29%-51%). Forty-seven studies included in this review reported family conflict as the reason for street involvement, with a pooled prevalence of 32% (95% CI, 26%-39%). Abuse was equally reported in developing and developed countries as the reason for street involvement, with a pooled prevalence of 26% (95% CI, 18%-35%). Delinquency was the least frequently cited reason overall, with a pooled prevalence of 10% (95% CI, 5%-20%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The street-connected children and youth who provided reasons for their street involvement infrequently identified delinquent behaviors for their circumstances and highlighted the role of poverty as a driving factor. They require support and protection, and governments globally are called on to reduce the socioeconomic inequities that cause children and youth to turn to the streets in the first place, in all regions of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lonnie Embleton
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hana Lee
- Department of Biostatistics, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Jayleen Gunn
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson
| | - David Ayuku
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Paula Braitstein
- Division of Epidemiology, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada6Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya7Department of Epidemiology, Fairbanks Scho
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Santa Maria D, Narendorf SC, Ha Y, Bezette-Flores N. Exploring Contextual Factors of Youth Homelessness And Sexual Risk Behaviors: A Qualitative Study. PERSPECTIVES ON SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2015; 47:195-201. [PMID: 26575948 DOI: 10.1363/47e6715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Revised: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT HIV disproportionately affects homeless youth, and interventions to date have had minimal success in reducing sexual risk behaviors in this population. Few qualitative studies have been conducted to provide insight into the influence of homelessness-related factors on sexual risk behaviors. METHODS A qualitative study with a quantitative component was conducted with a nonprobability sample of 64 homeless youth aged 14-24; participants were recruited from a variety of venues in Houston between October 2013 and March 2014. Thirteen focus group discussions were conducted; thematic analysis was used to identify themes related to HIV risk. RESULTS Participants were predominantly black (75%), sheltered (67%) and aged 18 or older (77%). Youth discussed how the circumstances of their homelessness and the struggle to meet their immediate needs led to behaviors and experiences that put them at risk for HIV. Three themes emerged: Homeless youth frequently engage in risky sexual behavior, sometimes as a way to cope with stress; they often trade sex, either voluntarily or involuntarily, for such necessities as money or a place to sleep; and many experienced childhood sexual victimization or have been victimized since becoming homeless. Youth also described how stress, stigma and self-reliance contributed to their involvement in HIV risk behaviors. CONCLUSIONS HIV prevention methods that target stress and stigma while respecting youths' self-reliance may help reduce sexual risk behaviors. Further research is needed to determine suitable behavioral change techniques to address these potentially modifiable factors.
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Is Substance Use Associated with Perpetration and Victimization of Physically Violent Behavior and Property Offences Among Homeless Youth? A Systematic Review of International Studies. CHILD & YOUTH CARE FORUM 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10566-014-9282-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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