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Wu S, Ta L, Vieira J, Schwartz K, Perez J, Zeien J, Li D, Hartmark-Hill J. Adverse Childhood Experiences and Depression among Homeless Young Adults: A Social Determinants of Health Perspective. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:81. [PMID: 38248544 PMCID: PMC10815729 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21010081] [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: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Homelessness is a pervasive issue in the United States that presents significant challenges to public health. Homeless young adults (HYAs) are at particular risk for increased incidence and severity of depression. Using primary survey data (n = 205) collected in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, Arizona, from June to August 2022, this study aims to examine the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and depression among HYAs. We adopted the ACEs 10-item scale to measure childhood traumatic experiences, whereas depression was measured by using a PHQ-4 depression scale and diagnosed depression. Regression models were conducted to test the relationships between ACEs and depression outcomes while controlling for the covariates at the individual, interpersonal, and socioeconomic/living environment levels. The average PHQ-4 score was 5.01 (SD = 3.59), and 59.69% of HYAs reported being diagnosed previously with depression. The mean ACEs score was 5.22 out of 10. Other things being equal, for every one unit increase in ACEs scores, the odds of being diagnosed with depression increased by 11.5%, yet it was not statistically significant, while the PHQ-4 score increased by 0.445 (p < 0.001). Overall, HYAs were disproportionately affected by depression. This study elucidates the complex relationship between ACEs and depression among HYAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyou Wu
- School of Social Work, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Lac Ta
- College of Medicine–Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA; (L.T.); (J.V.); (K.S.); (J.P.); (J.H.-H.)
| | - Jaime Vieira
- College of Medicine–Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA; (L.T.); (J.V.); (K.S.); (J.P.); (J.H.-H.)
| | - Kendall Schwartz
- College of Medicine–Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA; (L.T.); (J.V.); (K.S.); (J.P.); (J.H.-H.)
| | - Joshua Perez
- College of Medicine–Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA; (L.T.); (J.V.); (K.S.); (J.P.); (J.H.-H.)
| | - Justin Zeien
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA;
| | - Danyi Li
- Keck School of Medicine Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA;
| | - Jennifer Hartmark-Hill
- College of Medicine–Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA; (L.T.); (J.V.); (K.S.); (J.P.); (J.H.-H.)
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Jones-Patten A, Shin SS, Bounds DT, Nyamathi A. Discrimination, Mental Health, and Readiness to Quit Smoking. Clin Nurs Res 2023; 32:1081-1091. [PMID: 37365813 PMCID: PMC10504822 DOI: 10.1177/10547738231183210] [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] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
We conducted a cross-sectional study, examining the mediation effects of depression and anxiety on the association between discrimination and readiness to quit cigarette smoking among African American adult cigarette smokers experiencing homelessness. Using a convenience sample, participants were recruited from a homeless shelter in Southern California. Scores of discrimination, depressive, and anxiety symptoms, and readiness to quit smoking were analyzed using linear regression modeling. We enrolled 100 participants; 58 participants were male. In the final model, discrimination had no association with readiness to quit (b = 0.02; 95% CI [-0.04, 0.08]; p = 0.47). The indirect effects of depression (b = 0.04, [0.01, 0.07]; p = 0.02) and anxiety (b = 0.03; [0.01, 0.05]; p = 0.04) reached statistical significance; the direct effects of depression (b = -0.01; [-0.09, 0.04]; p = 0.70) and anxiety (b = -0.00; [-0.09, 0.06]; p = 0.86) did not. Future studies should explore these associations to enhance smoking cessation programs for this population.
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Ayano G, Belete A, Duko B, Tsegay L, Dachew BA. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of depressive symptoms, dysthymia and major depressive disorders among homeless people. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e040061. [PMID: 33622940 PMCID: PMC7907847 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the global prevalence estimates of depressive symptoms, dysthymia and major depressive disorders (MDDs) among homeless people. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES Databases including PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were systematically searched up to February 2020 to identify relevant studies that have reported data on the prevalence of depressive symptoms, dysthymia and MDDs among homeless people. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Original epidemiological studies written in English that addressed the prevalence of depressive problems among homeless people. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS A random-effect meta-analysis was performed to pool the prevalence estimated from individual studies. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were employed to compare the prevalence across the groups as well as to identify the source of heterogeneities. The Joanna Briggs Institute's quality assessment checklist was used to measure the study quality. Cochran's Q and the I2 test were used to assess heterogeneity between the studies. RESULTS Forty publications, including 17 215 participants, were included in the final analysis. This meta-analysis demonstrated considerably higher prevalence rates of depressive symptoms 46.72% (95% CI 37.77% to 55.90%), dysthymia 8.25% (95% CI 4.79% to 11.86%), as well as MDDs 26.24% (95% CI 21.02% to 32.22%) among homeless people. Our subgroup analysis showed that the prevalence of depressive symptoms was high among younger homeless people (<25 years of age), whereas the prevalence of MDD was high among older homeless people (>50 years of age) when compared with adults (25-50 years). CONCLUSION This review showed that nearly half, one-fourth and one-tenth of homeless people are suffering from depressive symptoms, dysthymia and MDDs, respectively, which are notably higher than the reported prevalence rates in the general population. The findings suggest the need for appropriate mental health prevention and treatment strategies for this population group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Getinet Ayano
- Ethiopia Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Asmare Belete
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Bereket Duko
- School of Public Health, Hawassa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Light Tsegay
- Department of Psychiatry, Aksum University, Aksum, Ethiopia
| | - Berihun Assefa Dachew
- Department of Public Health, Curtin University Faculty of Health Sciences, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Tyler KA, Olson K, Ray CM. Short Message Service Surveying With Homeless Youth: Findings From a 30-Day Study of Sleeping Arrangements and Well-Being. YOUTH & SOCIETY 2020; 52:850-866. [PMID: 32863452 PMCID: PMC7450936 DOI: 10.1177/0044118x19832167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the location and consistency of sleeping arrangements among youth experiencing homelessness (YEH) and how this is linked to their well-being. This study addresses this gap using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) via short message service (SMS) surveying with 150 YEH over 30 days, to examine how various sleeping arrangements are associated with depression, marijuana use, support received, and service utilization. Results revealed that the average number of consecutive days youth stayed at any particular location varied considerably. Youth who stayed more frequently with a friend/partner or in a transitional living facility (TLF) reported fewer days of being depressed, whereas staying with a friend/ partner was associated with using marijuana more frequently. Finally, youth staying with a friend/partner, stranger, or TLF reported using services on fewer days. Because sleeping arrangements change almost daily, on average, this has important public health implications for agencies finding permanent housing for YEH.
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Tyler KA, Olson K, Ray CM. Understanding Daily Depression, Drinking, and Marijuana Use among Homeless Youth using Short Message Service Surveying. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE 2019; 28:170-179. [PMID: 33013152 PMCID: PMC7531045 DOI: 10.1080/1067828x.2019.1667286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
We used short message service surveying (SMS) with 150 homeless youth to examine the time ordering of feeling depressed with drinking alcohol, using marijuana, and using substances with friends. Multilevel binary logistic regression results revealed that youth who were depressed earlier in the day were more likely to drink alcohol later that day. Among depressed youth, heterosexual youth were less likely to drink alcohol than lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youth. Depressed youth had increased odds of using marijuana by a factor of 1.6, while heterosexual youth, compared to LGB youth, were 80% less likely to use marijuana. Females were 82% less likely and heterosexual youth 75% less likely to use substances with friends compared to males and LGB youth, respectively. These findings improve upon prior retrospective studies by using SMS to understand time ordering between feeling depressed and substance use in the same day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Tyler
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Sociology, Lincoln, NE 68588-0324
| | - Kristen Olson
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Sociology, Lincoln, NE 68588-0324
| | - Colleen M Ray
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Sociology, Lincoln, NE 68588-0324
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Tyler KA, Schmitz RM, Ray CM. Role of Social Environmental Protective Factors on Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms Among Midwestern Homeless Youth. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE 2018; 28:199-210. [PMID: 29460358 DOI: 10.1111/jora.12326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
We employ a social stress framework, which examines the influence of multiple stressors (e.g., physical abuse, foster care placement) on an individual's ability to function (e.g., mental well-being), to longitudinally examine the effects of stressful life events on mental health and the role of the social environment in this process among 150 homeless youth. Results revealed that numerous stressors, such as physical abuse and running away from home more frequently, were associated with greater depressive symptoms and elevated anxiety. Having mentors and family and friends from home that youth can rely on resulted in more positive social support, which subsequently lowered the risk for depressive symptoms and anxiety at wave 2.
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Lee KH, Jun JS, Kim YJ, Roh S, Moon SS, Bukonda N, Hines L. Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Suicide Among Homeless Adults. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 14:229-242. [DOI: 10.1080/23761407.2017.1316221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kyoung Hag Lee
- School of Social Work, Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas, USA
| | - Jung Sim Jun
- School of Social Work, Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas, USA
| | - Yi Jin Kim
- Department of Social Work, University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi, USA
| | - Soonhee Roh
- Department of Social Work, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
| | - Sung Seek Moon
- College of Social Work, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Ngoyi Bukonda
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas, USA
| | - Lisa Hines
- School of Social Work, Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas, USA
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Abstract
Depression is a common problem among homeless men that may interfere with functional tasks, such as securing stable housing, obtaining employment, and accessing health services. Previous research on depression among homeless men has largely focused on current psychosocial resources, substance abuse, and past victimization. Guided by Ensel and Lin's life course stress process model, the authors examined whether distal stressors, including victimization and exposure to parent problems in childhood, contributed to men's depression above and beyond current (or proximal) stressors, such as substance abuse and health problems, and social resources. The sample consisted of 309 homeless men who had entered a federally funded emergency shelter. Using the Burns Depression Checklist, the authors found that one out of three men met the threshold for moderate to severe depression during the past week. The logistic regression showed that past exposure to parent problems was related to depression after accounting for current stressors and social resources (number of close adult relationships and whether their emotional support needs were met). Past victimization was not related to depression. To address men's depression, workers should concurrently provide services that meet men's basic needs (for example, housing) and address their relationship needs, including their need for emotional support.
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Oppong Asante K. Exploring age and gender differences in health risk behaviours and psychological functioning among homeless children and adolescents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH PROMOTION 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/14623730.2015.1088739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Oppong Asante K, Meyer-Weitz A, Petersen I. Mental Health and Health Risk Behaviours of Homeless Adolescents and Youth: A Mixed Methods Study. CHILD & YOUTH CARE FORUM 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10566-015-9335-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Oppong Asante K, Meyer-Weitz A, Petersen I. Correlates of psychological functioning of homeless youth in Accra, Ghana: a cross-sectional study. Int J Ment Health Syst 2015; 9:1. [PMID: 25587353 PMCID: PMC4292989 DOI: 10.1186/1752-4458-9-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on homeless youth has shown that this population is at high risk for various mental health problems. Previous studies conducted among homeless young adults in Ghana have focused primarily on economic, social and cultural causes of homelessness, their engagement in risky sexual behaviours and the prevalence of STI including HIV/AIDS. We are therefore not fully informed of the prevalence of psychological symptoms and their associated factors. The aim of the study was to determine the association between psychological functioning and social and health risk behaviours among a sample of homeless youth in Ghana. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of 227 (122 male and 105 female) homeless youth was conducted in Ghana in 2013. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data due to low level of literacy among the study population. Pearson-moment correlation coefficient (r) and multiple standard regression models were fitted to analyse the data. RESULTS Approximately 87% of the participants in this study exhibited moderate to severe psychosocial symptoms. Specifically, emotional, conduct, hyperactivity and peer relationship problems among the participants were 69%, 74%, 54% and 89% respectively. Overall psychosocial functioning was predicted by stigma (self-stigma and experienced stigma), violent behaviours and suicidal ideation. Substance use and perceived resilience were significantly associated with emotional problems. CONCLUSION There is a need for holistic interventions to help improve the psychological and social functioning of homeless youth. Such programmes should strengthen socio-emotional coping strategies in street youth as well as address contextual risk factors such as stigma and discrimination by the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwaku Oppong Asante
- />Discipline of Psychology, School of Applied Human Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, Durban, 4041 South Africa
- />Department of Psychology, Regent University College of Science & Technology, Accra, Ghana
| | - Anna Meyer-Weitz
- />Discipline of Psychology, School of Applied Human Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, Durban, 4041 South Africa
| | - Inge Petersen
- />Discipline of Psychology, School of Applied Human Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, Durban, 4041 South Africa
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Salem BE, Nyamathi A, Brecht L, Phillips LR, Mentes J, Sarkisian C, Stein JA. Constructing and identifying predictors of frailty among homeless adults—a latent variable structural equations model approach. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2014; 58:248-56. [PMID: 24505611 PMCID: PMC4005873 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2013.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Homeless urbanites are a heterogeneous population with unique health and social service needs. The study examined situational, behavioral, health-related and resource indicators in terms of their direct impact on frailty, hypothesized as a latent variable. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), a model was tested with 150 homeless men and women, ages 40–73, from three homeless day center drop-in sites on Skid Row and one residential drug treatment (RDT) facility that works with homeless parolees and probationers. In bivariate analyses with the latent construct frailty, months homeless (p < 0.01), female gender (p < 0.05), education (p < 0.05), comorbid conditions (p < 0.001), nutrition (p < 0.001), resilience (p < 0.001), health care utilization (p < 0.01), and falls (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with frailty. In the final path model, significant predictors of frailty included educational attainment (p < 0.01), comorbid conditions (p < 0.001), nutrition (p < 0.001), resilience (p < 0.001), and falls (p < 0.01). These findings will serve as a foundation for future nurse-led, community-based initiatives that focus on key predictors of frailty among the homeless and the development of interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benissa E. Salem
- University of California, Los Angeles School of Nursing, Address:
700 Tiverton Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Adeline Nyamathi
- University of California, Los Angeles School of Nursing, Address:
700 Tiverton Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Lynn Brecht
- UCLA School of Nursing, Address: 700 Tiverton Avenue Los Angeles,
CA 90095
| | - Linda R Phillips
- University of California, Los Angeles School of Nursing, Address:
700 Tiverton Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Janet Mentes
- University of California, Los Angeles School of Nursing, Address:
700 Tiverton Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Catherine Sarkisian
- Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center (GRECC), Address:
11301 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90073
| | - Judith A. Stein
- University of California, Los Angeles School of Nursing, Address:
700 Tiverton Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90095
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Dang MT, Miller E. Characteristics of natural mentoring relationships from the perspectives of homeless youth. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRIC NURSING 2013; 26:246-53. [PMID: 24180604 PMCID: PMC3818248 DOI: 10.1111/jcap.12038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PROBLEM Homeless youth experience high risks for poor mental health outcomes. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the characteristics of natural mentoring relationships among homeless youth and to identify possible mechanisms that can enhance social support for this population. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 homeless youth aged 14-21 who had natural mentors. The interviews focused on how youth met their natural mentors, the function of these relationships, and how natural mentoring relationships differed from other relationships in the youth's social networks. FINDINGS Main themes that emerged from the interviews included parental absence, natural mentors as surrogate parents, and social support from mentors. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that social supports provided by mentors enhance youth's adaptive functioning and may promote resilience, thus the use of natural mentors may be an important untapped asset in designing interventions to improve outcomes for homeless youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle T Dang
- School of Nursing, California State University, Sacramento, CA, USA
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Nyamathi A, Jackson D, Carter B, Hayter M. Creating culturally relevant and sustainable research strategies to meet the needs of vulnerable populations. Contemp Nurse 2013; 42:243-6. [PMID: 23339251 DOI: 10.1080/10376178.2012.11002652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Nyamathi A, Hudson A, Greengold B, Leake B. Characteristics of homeless youth who use cocaine and methamphetamine. Am J Addict 2012; 21:243-9. [PMID: 22494226 DOI: 10.1111/j.1521-0391.2012.00233.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This cross-sectional hepatitis health promotion study (N = 156) was designed to identify correlates of cocaine and methamphetamine use among young, homeless persons living in Los Angeles County. Structured questionnaires were administered at baseline to assess sociodemographic characteristics, drug history, and social support. Unadjusted analysis showed that older age, having a history of incarceration, injection drug use (IDU), 10 or more sexual partners, and sex for money were associated with both cocaine and methamphetamine use. Logistic regression results showed that injection drug users had over seven times greater odds of using each stimulant compared with nonusers of injection drugs; those reporting at least 10 sexual partners and alcohol use in the past 6 months were more likely to use cocaine than their respective counterparts. African Americans were also less likely than Whites to report cocaine use. Understanding of these relationships can guide interventions targeting the multiple challenges faced by this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeline Nyamathi
- School of Nursing, University of California-Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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Nyamathi A, Salem B, Reback CJ, Shoptaw S, Branson CM, Idemundia FE, Kennedy B, Khalilifard F, Marfisee M, Liu Y. Correlates of hepatitis B virus and HIV knowledge among gay and bisexual homeless young adults in Hollywood. Am J Mens Health 2012; 7:18-26. [PMID: 22879650 DOI: 10.1177/1557988312456068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Homeless gay and bisexual (G/B) young men have multiple risk factors that increase their risk of contracting hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This study used baseline information from structured instruments to assess correlates of knowledge to HIV and HBV infection from 267 young (18-39 year old) G/B active methamphetamine, cocaine, and crack-using homeless men enrolled in a longitudinal trial. The study is designed to reduce drug use and improve knowledge of hepatitis and HIV/AIDS in a community center in Hollywood, California. Regression modeling revealed that previous hepatitis education delivered to G/B men was associated with higher levels of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis knowledge. Moreover, higher HIV/AIDS knowledge was associated with combining sex and drinking alcohol. Associations with hepatitis B knowledge was found among G/B men who were engaging in sex while under the influence of marijuana, who were receiving support from non-drug users, and who had been homeless in the last 4 months. Although being informed about HIV/AIDS and hepatitis did not preclude risky sexual and drug use behavior, knowledge about the dangers of concurrent sex with substance use is important. As higher levels of knowledge of hepatitis was associated with more moderate drug use, early access to testing and teaching harm reduction strategies remain critical to reduce exposure and infection of HBV and HIV in this population.
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Nyamathi A, Marlow E, Zhang S, Hall E, Farabee D, Marfisee M, Khalilifard F, Faucette M, Leake B. Correlates of serious violent crime for recently released parolees with a history of homelessness. VIOLENCE AND VICTIMS 2012; 27:793-810. [PMID: 23155727 PMCID: PMC3629810 DOI: 10.1891/0886-6708.27.5.793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
This study used baseline data on recently released paroled men who are homeless (N=157), residing in a residential drug treatment program, and enrolled in a longitudinal study to examine personal, developmental, and social correlates of parolees who are homeless and who have committed serious violent offenses. Having experienced childhood sexual abuse, poor parental relationships, and early-onset incarceration (prior to 21 years of age) were important correlates of serious violent crimes. These findings highlight the need for interventions that address offenders' prior adult and childhood victimization and suggest that policies for reentering violent offenders should encompass an understanding of the broader family contexts in which these patterns of maltreatment often occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeline Nyamathi
- University of California, Los Angeles, School of Nursing, CA 90095-1702, USA.
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