@article{ref1,
title="Gaps in sexual assault health care among homeless young adults",
journal="American journal of preventive medicine",
year="2019",
author="Santa Maria, Diane M. and Breeden, Khara and Drake, Stacy A. and Narendorf, Sarah C. and Barman-Adhikari, Anamika and Petering, Robin and Hsu, Hsun-Ta and Shelton, Jama and Ferguson-Colvin, Kristin and Bender, Kimberly",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="INTRODUCTION: Young adults experiencing homelessness are at increased risk for sexual assault. Receiving a post-sexual assault examination has important implications for HIV and unintended pregnancy prevention; yet, utilization is not well understood. In a population at elevated risk for HIV, unintended pregnancy, and sexual violence, identifying barriers and facilitators to post-sexual assault examination is imperative. <br><br>METHODS: As part of a large, multisite study to assess youth experiencing homelessness across 7 cities in the U.S, a cross-sectional survey was conducted between June 2016 and July 2017. Data were analyzed in 2019 to determine the prevalence and correlates of sexual violence and examine the correlates of post-sexual assault examination utilization. <br><br>RESULTS: Respondents (n=1,405), aged 18-26 years, were mainly youth of color (38% black, 17% Latinx) and identified as cisgender male (59%) and lesbian, gay, bisexual, or queer (29%). HIV risks were high: 23% of participants had engaged in trade sex, 32% had experienced sexual assault as a minor, and 39% had experienced sexual exploitation. Young adults reported high rates of sexual assault (22%) and forced sex (24%). Yet, only 29% of participants who were forced to have sex received a post-sexual assault examination. Latinx young adults were more likely than other races/ethnicities to receive post-assault care. Participants frequently said they did not get a post-sexual assault exam because they did not want to involve the legal system and did not think it was important. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Interventions are needed to increase use of preventive care after experiencing sexual assault among young adults experiencing homelessness.<br><br>Copyright © 2019 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0749-3797",
doi="10.1016/j.amepre.2019.09.023",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2019.09.023"
}