Keywords

sexual behavior, condoms, gender, homeless people, runaways

Abstract

Few studies have examined gender-specific factors associated with the nonuse of condoms among homeless and runaway youths (HRYs)–a population at high risk for HIV infection. In this article, we evaluate these factors and explore gender differences in background experiences, psychosocial functioning, and risk behaviors among HRYs from four U.S. metropolitan areas. Of 879 sexually active HRYs sampled, approximately 70% reported unprotected sexual intercourse during a 6-month period, and nearly a quarter reported never using condoms in the same period. Among males and females, having only one sex partner in the previous 6 months had the strongest association with nonuse of condoms. Among males, nonuse was also associated with having ever caused pregnancy, frequent marijuana use, prior physical victimization, and low self-control and sociability. Among females, nonuse was associated with knowledge of HIV status, prior sexual victimization, low social support, and infrequent marijuana use. These findings highlight the ongoing need for HIV prevention services for HRYs. Implications for the scope and content of these services are discussed.

Original Publication Citation

MacKellar, Duncan A., Linda A. Valleroy, John P. Hoffmann , Donna Glebatis, Marlene LaLota, William McFarland, Johnny Westerholm, and Robert S. Janssen. 2000. “Gender Differences in Sexual Behaviors and Factors Associated with Nonuse of Condoms among Homeless and Runaway Youths.” AIDS Education and Prevention 12(6): 477-491.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2000-12

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/6742

Publisher

AIDS Education and Prevention

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Sociology

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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