HOMELESS YOUTHS AND YOUNG-ADULTS IN LOS-ANGELES - PREVALENCE OF MENTAL-HEALTH PROBLEMS AND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MENTAL-HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE-ABUSE DISORDERS

Although understanding of the subsistence patterns, service utilizatio n and HIV-risk behaviors of homeless youths and young adults is increa sing, relatively little is known about the epidemiology of mental heal th problems in this group or the relationships between mental health p roblems and substance use. This study measured symptoms of depression, low self-esteem, ADHD, suicidality, self-injurious behavior (SIB), an d drug and alcohol use disorder in a sample of homeless youth and youn g adults living in Hollywood, CA. Results indicated extremely high pre valences of mental health problems, as compared with corresponding rac es of mental health problems found among housed youths in previous stu dies. Prevalence of mental health problems differed by age and ethnici ty African Americans were at lower risk of suicidal thoughts and SIE t han were those of other ethnicities. Older respondents and females wer e at increased risk of depressive symptoms, and younger respondents we re at increased risk of SIE. Previous history of sexual abuse and/or a ssault was associated with increased risk of suicidality and SIE. Risk factors for drug abuse disorder included ethnicity other than African American, homelessness for I year or more, suicidality, SIE, depressi ve symptoms, and low self-esteem. Risk factors for alcohol abuse disor der included male gender white ethnicity, homelessness for I year or m ore, suicidality, and SIE. Extremely high rates of mental health probl ems and substance abuse disorders in this sample suggest the need for street-based and nontraditional mental health services targeted toward these youths and young adults.