Abstract
Samples of adolescents from a homeless shelter (n = 62), detention center (n = 70), and two high schools in Anchorage, Alaska (n = 207) were surveyed regarding HIV risk, knowledge and attitudes. Participants from the three groups differed markedly in patterns of risk behavior, with delinquent and homeless youths consistently reporting higher levels of risky behavior than those in the comparison group. However, differences between the homeless and delinquent youth on risk behaviors, knowledge and attitudes, suggest that HIV prevention efforts are more likely to succeed if they address the specific needs of these populations. An unusual trend in alcohol and marijuana use was also uncovered among all three groups surveyed; regular use of marijuana was consistently reported as more frequent than regular alcohol use. Implications for future research and HIV prevention targeting homeless and delinquent youth in Alaska, and in general, are discussed.