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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Jenilee E. Christy, BA¹, Mollie Anderson Cleveland, BS¹, Danette Garces-Webb, MS¹, Joanna Buscemi, BS, BA², and Bettina M. Beech, DrPH, MPH¹. (1) Department of Psychology, The University of Memphis, 202 Psychology Bldg., Memphis, TN 38104, (2) Department of Psychology, Doctoral Student in Clinical Psychology, Behavioral Medicine Area, The University of Memphis, 3684 Philwood Ave., Memphis, TN 38122, 813-541-4196, jbuscemi@memphis.edu

Homeless adolescents are at increased risk for injury, illness, sexually transmitted disease, and drug/alcohol abuse (Klein, et al., 2000). Homeless services are available to treat/prevent this risk, but most research concerning homeless access is conducted with shelter-based youth, and therefore provides an inaccurate representation of youth who may encounter barriers seeking assistance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the need, awareness, and utilization of services available to homeless youth who report residing in varied locations within a large southwestern city. Homeless youth (n=150) ages 14 to 25 were recruited by research team members. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing demographics, time on the street, drug/alcohol use/abuse, and knowledge/utilization of service programs. Participants reported “living” either in shelters/hotels/motels (38%), with friends (32%), on the street (14%) or other (15%). Although the majority of the sample was aware of food and shelter services, a significant percentage (23%) reported no knowledge of available health services. Fifty-four percent reported regular drug use, and 22% reported having a “problem with drugs,” yet 54% were unaware of available drug-treatment. When asked the “best way” to advertise homeless services, only 18% of youth residing on the street or in “other” locations reported television advertisement, although television was the most frequent response with youth residing in shelters/hotels/motels or with friends. Future research needs to examine the effectiveness of promoting drug treatment and health services to homeless youth most in need with emphasis regarding homeless youth residing on the street or in locations other than a shelter/hotel/motel.

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