SELF-REPORTED RISK-FACTORS FOR AIDS AMONG HOMELESS YOUTH

This study assessed HN risk behaviors in a sample of homeless youth in a large urban area and examined factors associated with these behavio rs. Self-reported behaviors were assessed via interviews with 196 home less youth in Chicago in all 10 urban shelters serving this group and in 5 street locations. Overall, 83.7% reported at least one of these r isk factors: multiple sex partners; high-risk partners; inconsistent c ondom use; history of sexually transmitted disease; anal sex; prostitu tion; and/or intravenous drug use. An index of these behaviors was ass ociated with being male, having unmet personal needs, being interviewe d in street locations, and having a history of sexual abuse. Findings suggest that strategies that may decrease risk behaviors among homeles s youth include the elimination of their need to rely on illicit activ ities for income, provision of basic needs, education regarding existi ng services, increased outreach efforts, and early identification of a nd protection from childhood sexual abuse.