The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #56448

Shelly A. Mallett, PhD¹, Doreen A. Rosenthal, PhD¹, Paul A. Myers, BS¹, Norweeta G. Milburn, PhD², and Mary Jane Rotheram-Borus, PhD³. (1) Key Centre for Women's Health in Society, The University of Melbourne, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia, 61392855126, D.Rosenthal@unimelb.edu.au, (2) NPI-Center for Community Health, University of California at Los Angeles, 10920 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 350, Los Angeles, CA 90024, (3) Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Los Angeles, 10920 Wilshire, Suite 350, Los Angeles, CA 90024-6521

Daily routines of homeless young people in Los Angeles, CA (n = 615) and Melbourne, Australia (n = 674) were examined. Cluster analysis yielded four groups – Partnered, Engaged, Harm Avoidant and Transgressive – based upon where and with whom they congregated and slept during the day/night, and how they spent most of their time. Patterns of responses differed between groups, yet there was overlap in the extent of involvement in specific activities, including risk practices For example, many young people in both the Transgressive and Engaged groups were involved in harmful activities, including risky sexual practices. On the basis of these behaviours, and using risk practices as an a priori defining strategy, young people in both groups are equally at risk. However, taken as a whole, the daily routines of these groups differed significantly. Engaged group members were socially connected to others and participated in positive activities. Transgressive group members were socially disconnected, lived in transient locations, and were not substantially involved in positive activities. The importance of maintaining distinct groups is shown by an examination of sexual risk behaviours. Compared to the Engaged group, the Transgressive group was more likely to have engaged in a range of practices that put members at risk of STD including HIV. The connectedness of the Engaged group protects members from sexual risk. Clearly, programs designed to reduce risk among homeless young people need to take into account their range of activities, harmful and non-harmful, and the differing contexts in which risk practices occur.

Learning Objectives:

• To understand how the daily rountines of homeless young people contribute to risk for HIV

Keywords: Homelessness,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.