Gender Differences in the Path From Sexual Victimization to HIV Risk Behavior Among Homeless Youth

ABSTRACT

Experiencing sexual victimization prior to becoming homeless is common among homeless youth and is associated with increased HIV risk behavior. This study examined mediating variables that underlie this association, adding to the understanding of gender differences in these paths. Participants were homeless youth in Los Angeles recruited through service access centers who completed a computerized self-administered interview in English or Spanish using an iPad. Findings indicate a high presence of sexual victimization across both genders. Female participants experienced posttraumatic stress disorder and subsequent engagement with exchange sex, whereas male participants were primarily involved in substance use risk pathways. Results indicate paths in the association between sexual victimization and HIV risk behavior differ between male and female homeless youth. Gender-specific, mental-health-informed interventions targeting sexual risk reduction are warranted.

KEYWORDS:

• adolescents
• adult survivors
• gender issues
• mental health
• sexual abuse
• substance use

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the youth who generously shared their experiences as well as the participating organizations and study interviewers who dedicated their time and materials for the purposes of this project.

Funding

The Youthnet study was supported by the National Institute of Mental Health (R01MH093336).

Additional information

Funding

The Youthnet study was supported by the National Institute of Mental Health (R01MH093336).

Notes on contributors

Taylor Harris

Taylor Harris, MA, is a PhD student at USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work in Los Angeles, California.

Eric Rice

Eric Rice is an associate professor at the University of Southern California in the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. He is the founding co-director of the USC Center for Artificial Intelligence in Society, a joint venture with the Viterbi School of Engineering.

Harmony Rhoades

Harmony Rhoades, PhD, is a research assistant professor at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work in Los Angeles, California.

Hailey Winetrobe

Hailey Winetrobe, MPH, CHES, is a project manager at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work in Los Angeles, California.

Suzanne Wenzel

Suzanne L. Wenzel, PhD, is the Richard and Ann Thor Professor in Urban Social Development at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work in Los Angeles, California.