Factors associated with condom and contraceptive use among currently and formerly homeless young adults: Does housing matter?

Abstract

BackgroundYoung adults that experience homelessness (YAEH) are at heightened risk of unplanned pregnancy and contracting STIs, including HIV than their housed counterparts. It is unclear how exiting homelessness into Supportive Housing (SH), the most prominent intervention in homelessness, may shape sexual risk-taking. ObjectiveThe goal of this study is to explore associations of condom and contraception use with particular interest in the role of partner type (i.e., casual and/or serious) and housing status. MethodsThis study includes 143 sexually active YAEH (ages 18–27) who reported engaging in vaginal sex during the past three months: 67 “unhoused” (i.e., street-based, couch-surfers, or staying in emergency shelter), and 76 “housed” from SH programs. Multiple logistic regression examined the relationship of housing status and partner type with condom and contraceptive use. ResultsBeing a parent was associated with higher odds of contraceptive use regardless of housing status, while partner type (i.e., serious or casual partner) was differently associated with condom use by housing status. DiscussionDespite documented differences in condom-using behaviors by housing status, findings revealed similar patterns in contraceptive use between the two groups, indicating a possible need for enhanced and targeted service planning for YAEH, particularly among those transitioning to and residing in SH, regarding contraceptive use and prevention.