Risk Factors for Trading Sex among Homeless Young Adults

Abstract

Although numerous homeless youth report trading sex, few studies have examined risk factors associated with trading sex and even fewer have employed multivariate analyses to examine this relationship, even though trading sex is associated with many negative health outcomes. Based on a sample of 151 homeless young adults in the midwestern United States, logistic regression analyses revealed that for each additional year of age, youth were 37% more likely to have traded sex (AOR = 1.37; 95% CI = .99-1.90). White youth were 84% less likely to have traded sex than nonwhite youth (AOR = .16; 95% CI = .03-.77). Furthermore, youth who had been employed full time were 80% less likely to have traded sex (AOR = .20; 95% CI = .05-.85). For every one unit increase in depressive symptoms, there was an 11% increase in the likelihood of ever having traded sex (AOR = 1.11; 95% CI = .99-1.24). Additionally, those who had friends who traded sex were approximately five times more likely to have ever traded sex themselves compared to those with no friends who had traded sex (AOR = 5.17; 95% CI = .95-28.12). Finally, youth who were propositioned to trade sex were almost five and one-half times more likely to have ever done so compared to youth who had not been propositioned (AOR = 5.45; 95% CI = 1.02-29.17). Overall, the results have important implications for the health and well-being of this high-risk population.

The Effect of Early Maltreatment, Victimization, and Partner Violence on HIV Risk Behavior Among Homeless Young Adults

“…Experiencing more types of partner violence and/or sexual victimization was associated with engaging in a greater number of different HIV risk behaviors. We also found an association between child maltreatment and HIV risk behaviors, which is consistent with previous studies [7,8,12]. Specifically, we found several indirect relationships between child abuse and neglect through other forms of victimization.…”

“…Additionally, little research exists on partner violence among homeless youth. Although previous studies on homeless young adults have found that child abuse and victimization in general are associated with HIV risk behaviors [7,8,12], it was unknown whether partner violence victimization was a unique and additional risk factor among homeless youth, which our study addresses. We were also able to examine the effects of various forms of victimization on HIV risk behaviors, thus leading to a better understanding of how the circumstances of homeless young people may place them at risk for HIV infection.…”

“…To meet their survival needs, some homeless youth trade sex for food, shelter, and other basic necessities [10][11][12]. Additionally, homeless youth commonly report having numerous sexual partners [11,13] and high rates of STDs [11,[14][15][16], which are additional risk factors.…”

“…Both maltreatment and victimization have been linked to HIV risk behaviors such as trading sex [12], unprotected sex [8], and IV drug use [7] among this population. Ennett et al [23] also found that being sexually victimized was associated with HIV risk behaviors including survival sex, having more than 10 lifetime sex partners, and previously having an STD among homeless males and females.…”

Buying and Selling Sex in Québec Adolescents: A Study of Risk and Protective Factors

“…Two American studies found similar percentages. Twentyfive percent of the homeless adolescents interviewed (N = 620) claimed to have been involved in prostitution (Yates, Mackenzie, Pennbridge, & Swofford, 1991), while 15% of young adults made the same claim (N = 151) (Tyler, 2009). Some have named this phenomenon''survival sex.…”