Contextual Correlates of Housing Instability in a Sample of Young Sexual Minority Men: The P18 Cohort Study

Background: Housing instability is a significant public health problem among young sexual minority men (SMM). Current literature demonstrates that race and SES are correlates of unstable housing. However, few studies have examined housing stability in SMM as it relates to contextual factors as well as adverse childhood experiences.

Methods: The present study examines factors associated with both living and sleeping in unstable housing among n=600 SMM (ages 18-19). Multivariate models were constructed to examine covariates of interest such as perceived SES, educational status, who they were out to, and childhood abuse for their relationship with current housing instability.

Results:  In this sample of young SMM, 13% and 18% of participants reported sleeping and living in unstable housing, respectively. The odds of currently sleeping in unstable housing were greater (AOR=5.47, 95% CI 1.82,16.44 ) among those who experienced more frequent lack of basic needs (food, proper hygiene, clothing) during their childhood. More frequent experiences of childhood physical abuse (AOR=3.39, 95% CI 1.85, 6.23) and lifetime history of arrest (AOR=1.89, 95% CI 1.08, 3.30) were associated with currently living in unstable housing. However, current enrollment in school was inversely associated with both living and sleeping in unstable housing (AOR=0.32 for both outcomes).

Conclusions: Both childhood- and school-based environmental are salient factors related to the housing status of young SMM. These findings lend support for social policies that can reduce discrimination and stigma associated with a sexual minority identity and the development of school-based gay-straight alliances that can further support SMM.