This study examined the
associations of sexual risk behaviors, substance use, mental health, and trauma
with varying levels of gang involvement in a sample of Los Angeles-based
homeless youths.
Data were collected from 505 homeless youths who self-reported
various health information and whether they have ever identified as or been
closely affiliated with a gang member. Multivariable logistic regression
assessed associations of lifetime gang involvement with risk taking behaviors
and negative health outcomes.
Results revealed seventeen percent of youths have
ever identified as a gang member and 46% as gang affiliated. Both gang members
and affiliates were at greater risk of many negative behaviors than non-gang
involved youths.
Gang members and affiliates were more likely to report recent
methamphetamine use, cocaine use, chronic marijuana use, having sex while
intoxicated, and symptoms of depression, symptoms of posttraumatic stress
disorder. They were also more likely to have experienced childhood sexual abuse
and witnessing family violence. Gang members were more likely to ever attempt
suicide, experience recent partner violence, and report physical abuse during
childhood.
Results suggest that lifetime gang involvement is related to a
trajectory of negative outcomes and amplified risk for youths experiencing
homelessness. Additionally, being closely connected to a gang member appears to
have just as much as an impact on risk as personally identifying as a gang
member.
Given the lack of knowledge regarding the intersection between youth
homelessness and gang involvement, future research is needed to inform policies
and programs that can address the specific needs of this population.
Purchase full article at: http://goo.gl/2Itzmw
By: Petering R1.
- 1School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA. Electronic address: petering@usc.edu.
- J Adolesc. 2016 Feb 18;48:73-81. doi: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2016.01.009.
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