Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and adolescents. Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of runaway and homeless youths
S. T. Sugerman, A. C. Hergenroeder, M. R. Chacko and G. S. Parcel
University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of runaway
and homeless youths regarding infection with the human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV). DESIGN: Cross-sectional, descriptive. SETTING: A crisis
shelter for runaway and homeless youths. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred one
residents, aged 13 to 20 years, of a shelter for homeless and runaway
youths in Houston, Tex. INTERVENTION: None. MEASUREMENTS/MAIN RESULTS: A
self-administered questionnaire was used to examine the knowledge,
attitudes, and behaviors of these youths regarding infection with HIV.
Nearly one fourth had injected illegal drugs; one fifth had shared needles
for other purposes. Sixteen percent had had anal intercourse, 19% had
engaged in prostitution, and 67% of all subjects reported having four or
more sexual partners. One fifth reported that they always use condoms.
While quite knowledgeable about means of transmission, they held prevalent
misconceptions about casual contact and risk reduction. Youths perceive few
barriers to condom use, have fairly high intentions to practice preventive
behavior, and have high self-efficacy to do so. Most believe they are at
little or no risk for acquiring HIV. These findings support the need for
medical, educational, and social service programs to reduce the risk of HIV
among these youths. CONCLUSION: Runaway and homeless youths practice
behaviors that place them at high risk for acquisition of HIV infection.
Risk reduction is imperative and will require programs that address the
educational, psychological, social, and medical needs of these youths.
