The Experts below are selected from a list of 4896 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Eric Rice - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the positive role of school climate on school victimization depression and suicidal ideation among school attending Homeless Youth
Journal of School Violence, 2017Co-Authors: Hadass Moore, Rami Benbenishty, Ron Avi Astor, Eric RiceAbstract:Although Homeless Youth face a higher risk of victimization and mental health problems, little is known about school victimization and mental health outcomes for school-attending Homeless Youth. Th...
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gender differences in the path from sexual victimization to hiv risk behavior among Homeless Youth
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 2017Co-Authors: Taylor Harris, Eric Rice, Harmony Rhoades, Hailey Winetrobe, Suzanne L. WenzelAbstract:Experiencing sexual victimization prior to becoming Homeless is common among Homeless Youth and is associated with increased HIV risk behavior. This study examined mediating variables that underlie this association, adding to the understanding of gender differences in these paths. Participants were Homeless Youth in Los Angeles recruited through service access centers who completed a computerized self-administered interview in English or Spanish using an iPad. Findings indicate a high presence of sexual victimization across both genders. Female participants experienced posttraumatic stress disorder and subsequent engagement with exchange sex, whereas male participants were primarily involved in substance use risk pathways. Results indicate paths in the association between sexual victimization and HIV risk behavior differ between male and female Homeless Youth. Gender-specific, mental-health-informed interventions targeting sexual risk reduction are warranted.
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social networking technology use and engagement in hiv related risk and protective behaviors among Homeless Youth
Journal of Health Communication, 2016Co-Authors: Anamika Barmanadhikari, Eric Rice, Kimberly Bender, Rebecca Lengnickhall, Amanda Yoshiokamaxwell, Harmony RhoadesAbstract:Preliminary studies with Homeless Youth have found surprisingly pervasive social media use and suggest that Youth’s online interactions may be associated with their HIV-related risk and protective behaviors. As Homeless Youth are transient and difficult to engage in place-based services, social media may represent a novel venue for intervention. A critical 1st step in intervention development is gaining greater understanding of how Homeless Youth use social media, especially as it relates to who they connect to and around what topics. Given the salience of social networking sites in the lives of these otherwise difficult-to-reach adolescents, and their potential to disseminate prevention interventions, this study assessed associations between online social networking technology use and HIV risk behaviors among Homeless Youth in Los Angeles, California. Homeless Youth ages 13 through 24 (N = 1,046) were recruited through 3 drop-in centers and surveyed about their social media use and self-reported HIV-rela...
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HOW TECHNOLOGY REDUCES THE RISK-TAKING OF Homeless Youth
Journal of Mobile Technology in Medicine, 2014Co-Authors: Eric RiceAbstract:BACKGROUND Homeless Youth are at extreme risk for HIV/AIDS. Their risk taking behaviors have consistently been linked to their engagement with risk-taking peer networks. Modern communication technologies such as social media, cell phones, and email have changed what it means to be Homeless. Youth today are not limited to connecting only with other high-risk Youth, in person on the streets. Now, technologyusing Youth are able to connect to pro-social networks comprised of family and friends who are not involved in the high-risk activities of street life.
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Pet Ownership Among Homeless Youth: Associations with Mental Health, Service Utilization and Housing Status
Child psychiatry and human development, 2014Co-Authors: Harmony Rhoades, Hailey Winetrobe, Eric RiceAbstract:As many as 25 % of Homeless persons have pets. To our knowledge, pet ownership has not been studied quantitatively with Homeless Youth. This study examined pet ownership among 398 Homeless Youth utilizing two Los Angeles drop-in centers. Twenty-three percent of Homeless Youth had a pet. The majority of pet owners reported that their pets kept them company and made them feel loved; nearly half reported that their pets made it more difficult to stay in a shelter. Pet owners reported fewer symptoms of depression and loneliness than their non-pet owning peers. Pet ownership was associated with decreased utilization of housing and job-finding services, and decreased likelihood of currently staying in a shelter. These findings elucidate many of the positive benefits of pet ownership for Homeless Youth, but importantly highlight that pet ownership may negatively impact housing options. Housing and other services must be sensitive to the needs of Homeless Youth with pets.
Joan S. Tucker - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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facilitators and barriers of drop in center use among Homeless Youth
Journal of Adolescent Health, 2016Co-Authors: Eric R Pedersen, Joan S. Tucker, Stephanie KovalchikAbstract:Drop-in centers for Homeless Youth address basic needs for food, hygiene, and clothing but can also provide critical services that address Youth's "higher level" needs (e.g., substance use treatment, mental health care, HIV-related programs). Unlike other services that have restrictive rules, drop-in centers typically try to break down barriers and take a "come as you are" approach to engaging Youth in services. Given their popularity, drop-in centers represent a promising location to deliver higher level services to Youth that may not seek services elsewhere. A better understanding of the individual-level factors (e.g., characteristics of Homeless Youth) and agency-level factors (e.g., characteristics of staff and environment) that facilitate and impede Youth engagement in drop-in centers will help inform research and outreach efforts designed to engage these at-risk Youth in services. Thus, the goal of this review was to develop a preliminary conceptual model of drop-in center use by Homeless Youth. Toward this goal, we reviewed 20 available peer-reviewed articles and reports on the facilitators and barriers of drop-in center usage and consulted broader models of service utilization from both Youth and adult studies to inform model development.
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Racial Differences in Cigarette Smoking Among Homeless Youth.
Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco, 2016Co-Authors: Daniela Golinelli, Joan S. Tucker, William G. ShadelAbstract:Author(s): Golinelli, Daniela; Tucker, Joan S; Shadel, William G | Abstract: IntroductionSeveral studies have reported pronounced racial/ethnic differences in smoking behavior among Homeless Youth. Better understanding the factors underlying racial/ethnic differences in daily smoking among Homeless Youth may help inform programs to reduce smoking in this population.MethodsData come from a probability sample of Homeless Youth in Los Angeles County collected between 2008 and 2009. The sample includes 116 African American, 99 Hispanic, and 119 White Youth with ages ranging from 13 to 24 years. Chi-square tests were used to test the differences in daily smoking among African American, Hispanic, and White Youth. Propensity score and doubly robust methods were used to produce a less biased estimate of the association between daily smoking and race/ethnicity after having removed the effect of potential confounders.ResultsThe daily smoking rate for White Youth was 70.1%, more than 31 percentage points than the rates for either African American or Hispanic Youth. Propensity score analysis revealed that the majority of the racial/ethnic differences in smoking rates could be explained by differences in Homelessness severity, although background characteristics and comorbidity were relevant as well.ConclusionsAs programs are developed to reduce smoking among Homeless Youth, results suggest that additional outreach may be needed to engage White Youth in services. Also, smoking prevention programs may benefit from incorporating a social network-based approach that assists Youth in fostering relationships with lower-risk peers, as well as addressing other forms of substance use. Incorporating these elements may help reduce the large racial/ethnic disparities in daily smoking among Homeless Youth.ImplicationsThis report extends the small existing literature on racial/ethnic differences in smoking among Homeless Youth in two important respects. First, it confirms differences in daily smoking, an important indicator of dependence, across racial/ethnic groups. Second, it seeks to understand the extent to which differences in smoking can be explained by demographic characteristics (other than race/ethnicity), background factors, Homelessness severity, and comorbidity characteristics known to be associated with substance use among Homeless Youth.
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Motivation to Quit and Interest in Cessation Treatment Among Homeless Youth Smokers.
Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco, 2015Co-Authors: Joan S. Tucker, Daniela Golinelli, William G. Shadel, Brett Ewing, Leslie MullinsAbstract:Author(s): Tucker, Joan S; Shadel, William G; Golinelli, Daniela; Ewing, Brett; Mullins, Leslie | Abstract: IntroductionApproximately 70% of unaccompanied Homeless Youth are current smokers. Although a few studies have described smoking behavior among Homeless Youth, none have focused on how to help Homeless Youth quit smoking. As such, there are significant gaps in understanding their interest in quitting and what strategies might best fit their specific needs.MethodsUnaccompanied Homeless Youth were randomly sampled from street sites in Los Angeles County (N = 292). All were current smokers who completed a survey on their smoking-related behaviors and cognitions.Results65.7% of Youth had quit for at least 24hr during the past year, and 43.4% were motivated to quit. Previous quit attempts tended to be unassisted, but 58.6% reported that they would be interested in formal cessation treatment. Multivariate analyses indicated that motivation to quit was higher among Youth who were older, Black or Hispanic (vs. White), and who asked about smoking by a service provider, but it was lower among those who were more nicotine dependent. Being interested in cessation treatment was more likely among Youth who were asked about smoking by a service provider, anticipated more barriers to quitting, and were motivated to quit; it was less likely among Youth who had slept outdoors during the past 30 days.DiscussionSmoking cessation is often considered a low priority for Homeless Youth. However, many are motivated to quit and are interested in smoking cessation products and services. Implications for developing and engaging Homeless Youth in cessation treatment are discussed.
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Providing smoking cessation programs to Homeless Youth: The perspective of service providers
Journal of substance abuse treatment, 2014Co-Authors: William G. Shadel, Joan S. Tucker, Leslie Mullins, B. Lynette StaplefooteAbstract:There is almost no information available on cigarette smoking among Homeless Youth, whether they are currently receiving services for smoking cessation, and how to best help them quit. This paper presents data collected from a series of semi-structured telephone interviews with service providers from 23 shelters and drop-in centers serving Homeless Youth in Los Angeles County about their current smoking cessation programming, interest in providing smoking cessation services to their clients, potential barriers to providing this service, and ways to overcome these barriers. Results indicated that 84% of facilities did not offer smoking cessation services, although nearly all (91%) were interested in doing so. Barriers to implementing formal smoking cessation programs on site included lack of resources (e.g., money, personnel) to support the programs, staff training, and concern that smoking cessation may not be a high priority for Homeless Youth themselves. Overall, service providers seemed to prefer a less intensive smoking cessation program that could be delivered at their site by existing staff. Data from this formative needs assessment will be useful for developing and evaluating a smoking cessation treatment that could be integrated into the busy, complex environment that characterizes agencies that serve Homeless Youth.
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Who Is Supporting Homeless Youth?: Predictors of Support in Personal Networks
Journal of research on adolescence : the official journal of the Society for Research on Adolescence, 2012Co-Authors: Kayla De La Haye, Suzanne L. Wenzel, Annie Jie Zhou, Daniela Golinelli, Harold D. Green, David N. Kennedy, Joan S. TuckerAbstract:Homeless Youth lack the traditional support networks of their housed peers, which increases their risk for poor health outcomes. Using a multilevel dyadic analytic approach, this study identified characteristics of social contacts, relationships, and social networks associated with the provision of tangible and emotional support to Homeless Youth (N = 419, M age = 20.09, SD = 2.80). Support providers were likely to be family members, sex-partners, or non-street based contacts. The provision of support was also associated with contacts’ employment and Homelessness status, frequency of contact, shared risk behaviors, and the number of network members that were Homeless and employed. The results provide insights into how Homeless Youth could be assisted to develop more supportive social networks.
Suzanne L. Wenzel - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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gender differences in the path from sexual victimization to hiv risk behavior among Homeless Youth
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 2017Co-Authors: Taylor Harris, Eric Rice, Harmony Rhoades, Hailey Winetrobe, Suzanne L. WenzelAbstract:Experiencing sexual victimization prior to becoming Homeless is common among Homeless Youth and is associated with increased HIV risk behavior. This study examined mediating variables that underlie this association, adding to the understanding of gender differences in these paths. Participants were Homeless Youth in Los Angeles recruited through service access centers who completed a computerized self-administered interview in English or Spanish using an iPad. Findings indicate a high presence of sexual victimization across both genders. Female participants experienced posttraumatic stress disorder and subsequent engagement with exchange sex, whereas male participants were primarily involved in substance use risk pathways. Results indicate paths in the association between sexual victimization and HIV risk behavior differ between male and female Homeless Youth. Gender-specific, mental-health-informed interventions targeting sexual risk reduction are warranted.
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Who Is Supporting Homeless Youth?: Predictors of Support in Personal Networks
Journal of research on adolescence : the official journal of the Society for Research on Adolescence, 2012Co-Authors: Kayla De La Haye, Suzanne L. Wenzel, Annie Jie Zhou, Daniela Golinelli, Harold D. Green, David N. Kennedy, Joan S. TuckerAbstract:Homeless Youth lack the traditional support networks of their housed peers, which increases their risk for poor health outcomes. Using a multilevel dyadic analytic approach, this study identified characteristics of social contacts, relationships, and social networks associated with the provision of tangible and emotional support to Homeless Youth (N = 419, M age = 20.09, SD = 2.80). Support providers were likely to be family members, sex-partners, or non-street based contacts. The provision of support was also associated with contacts’ employment and Homelessness status, frequency of contact, shared risk behaviors, and the number of network members that were Homeless and employed. The results provide insights into how Homeless Youth could be assisted to develop more supportive social networks.
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social networks of Homeless Youth in emerging adulthood
Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 2012Co-Authors: Suzanne L. Wenzel, Daniela Golinelli, Brett Ewing, Ian W Holloway, Richard Bowman, Joan S. TuckerAbstract:Little is known about the social networks of Homeless Youth in emerging adulthood despite the importance of this information for interventions to reduce health risks. This study examined the composition of social networks, and the risks and supports present within them, in a random sample of 349 Homeless Youth (33.4% female, 23.9% African American, 17.7% Hispanic) between the ages of 18 and 24. Social network members who were met on the street were among the most likely to be perceived as engaging in risky sex, as well as to engage in substance use with the Youth. Youth were more likely to count on relatives and sex partners for support compared to other network members, but they also were more likely to use substances with sex partners and perceived them as engaging in risky sex. Interventions may need to recognize the importance of intimate relationships during the developmental stage of emerging adulthood by enhancing supportive bonds and reducing substance use and risky sex in these relationships.
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Are Social Network Correlates of Heavy Drinking Similar Among Black Homeless Youth and White Homeless Youth
Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs, 2012Co-Authors: Suzanne L. Wenzel, Hsun-ta Hsu, Annie Jie Zhou, Joan S. TuckerAbstract:Objective:Understanding factors associated with heavy drinking among Homeless Youth is important for prevention efforts. Social networks are associated with drinking among Homeless Youth, and studies have called for attention to racial differences in networks that may affect drinking behavior. This study investigates differences in network characteristics by the racial background of Homeless Youth, and associations of network characteristics with heavy drinking. (Heavy drinking was defined as having five or more drinks of alcohol in a row within a couple of hours on at least one day within the past 30 days.)Method:A probability sample of 235 Black and White Homeless Youths ages 13–24 were interviewed in Los Angeles County. We used chi-square or one-way analysis of variance tests to examine network differences by race and logistic regressions to identify network correlates of heavy drinking among Black and White Homeless Youth.Results:The networks of Black Youth included significantly more relatives and st...
Harmony Rhoades - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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gender differences in the path from sexual victimization to hiv risk behavior among Homeless Youth
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 2017Co-Authors: Taylor Harris, Eric Rice, Harmony Rhoades, Hailey Winetrobe, Suzanne L. WenzelAbstract:Experiencing sexual victimization prior to becoming Homeless is common among Homeless Youth and is associated with increased HIV risk behavior. This study examined mediating variables that underlie this association, adding to the understanding of gender differences in these paths. Participants were Homeless Youth in Los Angeles recruited through service access centers who completed a computerized self-administered interview in English or Spanish using an iPad. Findings indicate a high presence of sexual victimization across both genders. Female participants experienced posttraumatic stress disorder and subsequent engagement with exchange sex, whereas male participants were primarily involved in substance use risk pathways. Results indicate paths in the association between sexual victimization and HIV risk behavior differ between male and female Homeless Youth. Gender-specific, mental-health-informed interventions targeting sexual risk reduction are warranted.
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social networking technology use and engagement in hiv related risk and protective behaviors among Homeless Youth
Journal of Health Communication, 2016Co-Authors: Anamika Barmanadhikari, Eric Rice, Kimberly Bender, Rebecca Lengnickhall, Amanda Yoshiokamaxwell, Harmony RhoadesAbstract:Preliminary studies with Homeless Youth have found surprisingly pervasive social media use and suggest that Youth’s online interactions may be associated with their HIV-related risk and protective behaviors. As Homeless Youth are transient and difficult to engage in place-based services, social media may represent a novel venue for intervention. A critical 1st step in intervention development is gaining greater understanding of how Homeless Youth use social media, especially as it relates to who they connect to and around what topics. Given the salience of social networking sites in the lives of these otherwise difficult-to-reach adolescents, and their potential to disseminate prevention interventions, this study assessed associations between online social networking technology use and HIV risk behaviors among Homeless Youth in Los Angeles, California. Homeless Youth ages 13 through 24 (N = 1,046) were recruited through 3 drop-in centers and surveyed about their social media use and self-reported HIV-rela...
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Pet Ownership Among Homeless Youth: Associations with Mental Health, Service Utilization and Housing Status
Child psychiatry and human development, 2014Co-Authors: Harmony Rhoades, Hailey Winetrobe, Eric RiceAbstract:As many as 25 % of Homeless persons have pets. To our knowledge, pet ownership has not been studied quantitatively with Homeless Youth. This study examined pet ownership among 398 Homeless Youth utilizing two Los Angeles drop-in centers. Twenty-three percent of Homeless Youth had a pet. The majority of pet owners reported that their pets kept them company and made them feel loved; nearly half reported that their pets made it more difficult to stay in a shelter. Pet owners reported fewer symptoms of depression and loneliness than their non-pet owning peers. Pet ownership was associated with decreased utilization of housing and job-finding services, and decreased likelihood of currently staying in a shelter. These findings elucidate many of the positive benefits of pet ownership for Homeless Youth, but importantly highlight that pet ownership may negatively impact housing options. Housing and other services must be sensitive to the needs of Homeless Youth with pets.
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Prescription drug misuse among Homeless Youth
Drug and alcohol dependence, 2014Co-Authors: Harmony Rhoades, Hailey Winetrobe, Eric RiceAbstract:Background Prescription drug misuse (PDM) is highly prevalent among Youth in the U.S., and can have serious health consequences. Homeless Youth are a particularly vulnerable population with high rates of substance use. However, PDM has not been studied in a sample comprised exclusively of Homeless Youth.
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The Social Networks of Homeless Youth Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence
Journal of interpersonal violence, 2014Co-Authors: Robin Petering, Eric Rice, Harmony Rhoades, Hailey WinetrobeAbstract:While there is a growing body of research on intimate partner violence (IPV) experienced by the housed Youth population, a limited amount is known about IPV experienced by Homeless Youth. To our knowledge, no previous studies have examined how Homeless Youths’ experience of IPV is related to their social network, even though the social networks of Homeless Youth have been shown to be significant indicators of health and mental health. The purpose of this study is to understand the relationship between IPV, gender, and social networks among a sample of 386 Homeless Youth in Los Angeles, California. Results revealed that one fifth of the sample experienced IPV in the past year. Stratified regression models revealed that IPV was not significantly related to any measure of male social networks; however, females who experienced IPV had more male friends (β = 2.03, SE = 0.89, p < .05) than females who did not experience IPV. Female Homeless Youth who witnessed family violence during childhood had more male frie...
Daniela Golinelli - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Racial Differences in Cigarette Smoking Among Homeless Youth.
Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco, 2016Co-Authors: Daniela Golinelli, Joan S. Tucker, William G. ShadelAbstract:Author(s): Golinelli, Daniela; Tucker, Joan S; Shadel, William G | Abstract: IntroductionSeveral studies have reported pronounced racial/ethnic differences in smoking behavior among Homeless Youth. Better understanding the factors underlying racial/ethnic differences in daily smoking among Homeless Youth may help inform programs to reduce smoking in this population.MethodsData come from a probability sample of Homeless Youth in Los Angeles County collected between 2008 and 2009. The sample includes 116 African American, 99 Hispanic, and 119 White Youth with ages ranging from 13 to 24 years. Chi-square tests were used to test the differences in daily smoking among African American, Hispanic, and White Youth. Propensity score and doubly robust methods were used to produce a less biased estimate of the association between daily smoking and race/ethnicity after having removed the effect of potential confounders.ResultsThe daily smoking rate for White Youth was 70.1%, more than 31 percentage points than the rates for either African American or Hispanic Youth. Propensity score analysis revealed that the majority of the racial/ethnic differences in smoking rates could be explained by differences in Homelessness severity, although background characteristics and comorbidity were relevant as well.ConclusionsAs programs are developed to reduce smoking among Homeless Youth, results suggest that additional outreach may be needed to engage White Youth in services. Also, smoking prevention programs may benefit from incorporating a social network-based approach that assists Youth in fostering relationships with lower-risk peers, as well as addressing other forms of substance use. Incorporating these elements may help reduce the large racial/ethnic disparities in daily smoking among Homeless Youth.ImplicationsThis report extends the small existing literature on racial/ethnic differences in smoking among Homeless Youth in two important respects. First, it confirms differences in daily smoking, an important indicator of dependence, across racial/ethnic groups. Second, it seeks to understand the extent to which differences in smoking can be explained by demographic characteristics (other than race/ethnicity), background factors, Homelessness severity, and comorbidity characteristics known to be associated with substance use among Homeless Youth.
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Motivation to Quit and Interest in Cessation Treatment Among Homeless Youth Smokers.
Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco, 2015Co-Authors: Joan S. Tucker, Daniela Golinelli, William G. Shadel, Brett Ewing, Leslie MullinsAbstract:Author(s): Tucker, Joan S; Shadel, William G; Golinelli, Daniela; Ewing, Brett; Mullins, Leslie | Abstract: IntroductionApproximately 70% of unaccompanied Homeless Youth are current smokers. Although a few studies have described smoking behavior among Homeless Youth, none have focused on how to help Homeless Youth quit smoking. As such, there are significant gaps in understanding their interest in quitting and what strategies might best fit their specific needs.MethodsUnaccompanied Homeless Youth were randomly sampled from street sites in Los Angeles County (N = 292). All were current smokers who completed a survey on their smoking-related behaviors and cognitions.Results65.7% of Youth had quit for at least 24hr during the past year, and 43.4% were motivated to quit. Previous quit attempts tended to be unassisted, but 58.6% reported that they would be interested in formal cessation treatment. Multivariate analyses indicated that motivation to quit was higher among Youth who were older, Black or Hispanic (vs. White), and who asked about smoking by a service provider, but it was lower among those who were more nicotine dependent. Being interested in cessation treatment was more likely among Youth who were asked about smoking by a service provider, anticipated more barriers to quitting, and were motivated to quit; it was less likely among Youth who had slept outdoors during the past 30 days.DiscussionSmoking cessation is often considered a low priority for Homeless Youth. However, many are motivated to quit and are interested in smoking cessation products and services. Implications for developing and engaging Homeless Youth in cessation treatment are discussed.
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Who Is Supporting Homeless Youth?: Predictors of Support in Personal Networks
Journal of research on adolescence : the official journal of the Society for Research on Adolescence, 2012Co-Authors: Kayla De La Haye, Suzanne L. Wenzel, Annie Jie Zhou, Daniela Golinelli, Harold D. Green, David N. Kennedy, Joan S. TuckerAbstract:Homeless Youth lack the traditional support networks of their housed peers, which increases their risk for poor health outcomes. Using a multilevel dyadic analytic approach, this study identified characteristics of social contacts, relationships, and social networks associated with the provision of tangible and emotional support to Homeless Youth (N = 419, M age = 20.09, SD = 2.80). Support providers were likely to be family members, sex-partners, or non-street based contacts. The provision of support was also associated with contacts’ employment and Homelessness status, frequency of contact, shared risk behaviors, and the number of network members that were Homeless and employed. The results provide insights into how Homeless Youth could be assisted to develop more supportive social networks.
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unprotected sex of Homeless Youth results from a multilevel dyadic analysis of individual social network and relationship factors
Aids and Behavior, 2012Co-Authors: Joan S. Tucker, Daniela Golinelli, Harold D. Green, David N. Kennedy, Brett EwingAbstract:Homeless Youth have elevated risk of HIV through sexual behavior. This project investigates the multiple levels of influence on unprotected sex among Homeless Youth, including social network, individual, and partner level influences. Findings are based on analyses of an exploratory, semi-structured interview (n = 40) and a structured personal network interview (n = 240) with randomly selected Homeless Youth in Los Angeles. Previous social network studies of risky sex by Homeless Youth have collected limited social network data from non-random samples and have not distinguished sex partner influences from other network influences. The present analyses have identified significant associations with unprotected sex at multiple levels, including individual, partner, and, to a lesser extent, the social network. Analyses also distinguished between Youth who did or did not want to use condoms when they had unprotected sex. Implications for social network based HIV risk interventions with Homeless Youth are discussed.
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social networks of Homeless Youth in emerging adulthood
Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 2012Co-Authors: Suzanne L. Wenzel, Daniela Golinelli, Brett Ewing, Ian W Holloway, Richard Bowman, Joan S. TuckerAbstract:Little is known about the social networks of Homeless Youth in emerging adulthood despite the importance of this information for interventions to reduce health risks. This study examined the composition of social networks, and the risks and supports present within them, in a random sample of 349 Homeless Youth (33.4% female, 23.9% African American, 17.7% Hispanic) between the ages of 18 and 24. Social network members who were met on the street were among the most likely to be perceived as engaging in risky sex, as well as to engage in substance use with the Youth. Youth were more likely to count on relatives and sex partners for support compared to other network members, but they also were more likely to use substances with sex partners and perceived them as engaging in risky sex. Interventions may need to recognize the importance of intimate relationships during the developmental stage of emerging adulthood by enhancing supportive bonds and reducing substance use and risky sex in these relationships.