Factors Associated With Motivation to Change HIV Risk and Substance Use Behaviors Among Homeless Youth

Abstract

This study sought to identify and compare variables associated with motivation to change alcohol, drug use, and HIV risk behaviors among a sample of homeless youths. More frequent alcohol use, older age, and childhood sexual abuse were associated with greater motivation to change alcohol use; higher reported negative consequences of substance use were associated with higher motivation to reduce illicit drug use. Shorter periods of current homelessness predicted higher motivation to change HIV risk behaviors. Findings suggest these areas might be fruitful targets for intervention efforts to enhance motivation to reduce alcohol and illicit drug use and HIV risk behaviors.

Keywords:

• adolescents
• alcohol versus drug use
• HIV risk
• homelessness
• motivation to change

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge that this research was supported by National Institute on Drug Abuse grant DA13549 to Natasha Slesnick.