Sexual Abuse, Alcohol and Other Drug Use, and Suicidal Behaviors in Homeless Adolescents

Abstract

Previous research has shown that homeless youth have high rates of suicidal ideation, sexual abuse, and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. However, little is known about how these rates differ by gender and ethnicity. Our objective was to describe patterns of sexual abuse, alcohol and other drug use, and indicators of suicidal behaviors in homeless adolescents and to determine gender and ethnic differences in these factors. We used secondary data analysis of data from surveys completed by 96 homeless youth whose average age was 17.9 years. Over 60% of the sample reported a history of sexual abuse; the majority were under the age of 12 years when they first tried alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine; 56.3% had injected drugs, and 46.9% had tried inhalants. During the past 12 months, 35.1% had seriously considered suicide and 12.3% had actually attempted suicide at least once. Significantly more Hispanics than Whites had considered suicide (chi 2 = 4.31, p = .038). A disproportionate number of Hispanics (95% of the sample) reported a history of sexual abuse. Participants with a history of sexual abuse were significantly more likely than those who did not have a history of sexual abuse to have used alcohol and/or marijuana (chi 2 = 9.93, p < .01) and to have considered suicide in the past 12 months (F = 14.93, p < .001). We found that sexual abuse history is greater in this sample than in the general population and is particularly prevalent among Hispanic/Latino subjects. As in other studies, sexual abuse was more common among females than among males. High prevalence of sexual abuse, alcohol and other drug use, and suicidal behaviors in this sample of homeless youth underscores the need to develop and test community-based interventions to improve their health status.

Improving youth mental health through family-based prevention in family homeless shelters

“…While this number is lower than estimates found in existing studies of homeless adolescents (Rew et al, 2001; Yoder et al, 2008a; 2008b), a sizable number of youth reported psychological distress nonetheless. These findings confirm previous research involving homeless youth, and suggest there is a specific need for prevention and intervention efforts to target youth living with their families in temporary housing.…”

“…One recent study found over two-thirds of youth endorsed one or more indicators of intent to self-harm (Yoder et al, 2008a, 2008b), and a second study found approximately 35% of adolescents had thought seriously about suicide, with 12% attempting suicide on one or more occasions (Rew et al, 2001). However, there is little knowledge about suicide risk among sheltered youth living with their families, as the samples in these studies tend to be runaways, youth who were forced out of their homes, or who live on the streets.…”

“…While there has been an increased focus upon suicidal risk among homeless youth (Rew, Taylor-Seehafer, & Fitzgerald, 2001; Yoder, Whitbeck, & Hoyt, 2008a; Yoder, Longley, Whitbeck, & Hoyt, 2008b), research focusing on self-harm among youth living in family shelters is rare. Further, little is known about effective interventions to decrease thoughts of self-harm among this subpopulation of homeless youth.…”

Gender Differences in the Path From Sexual Victimization to HIV Risk Behavior Among Homeless Youth

“…These findings were partially supported by the trend in illicit drug use behavior and suicidal ideation as significant mechanisms increasing HIV risk outcomes. Youth with SV histories, including homeless youth, use substances at higher rates (Connell, Gilreath, & Hansen, 2009; Rew et al, 2001). Victimized youth may turn to substances as an avoidance coping mechanism for intrusive thoughts and memories related to their experience (Chawla & Ostafin, 2007; Tyler, Whitbeck, Hoyt, & Yoder, 2000).…”

“…SV also increases the likelihood of high-frequency use and misuse of substances (Kessler et al, 2010; Simpson & Miller, 2002; Wilson, 2010), and maladaptive use of substances intensifies sexual risk behaviors (Bailey, Camlin, & Ennett, 1998; Bensley, Van Eenwyk, & Simmons, 2000; Connell, Gilreath, & Hansen, 2009). Specifically, SV has been associated with illicit drug use (Rew, Taylor-Seehafer, & Fitzgerald, 2001), exchange sex (Haley, Roy, Leclerc, Boudreau, & Boivin, 2004), multiple sexual partners, and inconsistent condom use (Solorio et al, 2008) among homeless youth.…”