Youth and provider perspectives of Wahine Talk: A holistic sexual health and pregnancy prevention program developed with and for homeless youth

Abstract

Half of homeless youth experience pregnancy at some point during their adolescence. Few programs exist to address pregnancy prevention among homeless youth, particularly from a holistic health promotion framework. Wahine Talk, an innovative adolescent pregnancy prevention and sexual health program, helps to fill this gap. The current study is part of a larger examination of Wahine Talk's initial feasibility, appropriateness, and acceptability, exploring experiences of both homeless youth participants (n = 11) and an interdisciplinary team of providers (n = 4) in three focus groups (N = 3). Template Analysis of focus group data resulted in five main themes characterizing participant and provider experiences of the intervention: 1) basic needs services are foundational; 2) peer mentorship takes many forms; 3) group is good, but is not for everyone; 4) putting a person in the clinic; and 5) holistic sexual health promotion. Findings suggest that Wahine Talk is initially feasible to provide, appropriate for homeless young women, and acceptable as delivered. Implications for practice, policy, and research are discussed.