RESUMO
This study assessed HIV risk behaviors in a sample of homeless youth in a large urban area and examined factors associated with these behaviors. Self-reported behaviors were assessed via interviews with 196 homeless 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 risk factors: multiple sex partners; high-risk partners; inconsistent condom use; history of sexually transmitted disease; anal sex; prostitution; and/or intravenous drug use. An index of these behaviors was associated with being male, having unmet personal needs, being interviewed in street locations, and having a history of sexual abuse. Findings suggest that strategies that may decrease risk behaviors among homeless youth include the elimination of their need to rely on illicit activities for income, provision of basic needs, education regarding existing services, increased outreach efforts, and early identification of and protection from childhood sexual abuse.
Assuntos
Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida/psicologia , Jovens em Situação de Rua/psicologia , Assunção de Riscos , Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida/prevenção & controle , Adolescente , Adulto , Abuso Sexual na Infância , Preservativos/estatística & dados numéricos , Feminino , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Humanos , Masculino , Trabalho Sexual , Comportamento Sexual , Parceiros Sexuais , Abuso de Substâncias por Via IntravenosaRESUMO
Pediatricians, internists, emergency-room physicians, family practice physicians, and other non-psychiatric physicians, often trusted allies of the child and family, are in an excellent position to assess, manage, and even prevent suicidal behaviors in their younger patients. This is not to suggest that these physicians should necessarily undertake extensive counseling or therapy with self-destructive children and adolescents; rather, they can help to screen and coordinate appropriate referrals and reinforce and/or support corrective efforts.