Formative Research on the Reproductive and Sexual Health of Homeless Young Adults in Los Angeles

There are an estimated 750,000 to 2 million homeless young adults in the United States each year, most of whom are vulnerable to unsafe situations and risky behaviors. In Los Angeles County alone, there are an estimated 14,000. Finding themselves in a "street economy", homeless young adults often exchange sex, drugs and money as the basis of their livelihood. Attempting to survive on the streets and with a lack of social support, these youth have been known to engage in illegal drug use and risky sexual behaviors with multiple partners, including infrequent condom use and sex work,. As a result, the overall health of homeless young adults, especially reproductive health, requires renewed focus and population-specific resources. This project aims to engage male, female and transgender homeless young adults in educational and interactive activities on various sexual and reproductive health topics, including family planning and sexually transmitted infections. Public health and medical student volunteers are trained to conduct activities during homeless young adult drop-in hours at a community HIV center in Los Angeles County. Additionally, formative research is being conducted through participant surveys and focus groups to determine baseline reproductive health knowledge and behaviors as well as to gather in-depth information on perceived health needs and barriers to reproductive health care. Results of the formative research will be used to design and implement future activities with this population, including but not limited to educational sessions, community outreach and resource development.