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The Occurrence of Sexual Abuse Among Homeless Adolescents

Taylor Williams

Mercer University

COUN 621

Dr. Lynn Tankersley

10/02/22

Commented [LT1]: Your title should appear closer to this line – 3 or 4 double spaced lines from the top of the page

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The Occurrence of Sexual Abuse Among Homeless Adolescents

Hathazi, D., Lankenau, S. E., Sanders, B., & Bloom, J. J. (2009). Pregnancy and sexual health

among homeless young injection drug users. Journal of adolescence, 32(2), 339-355.

doi: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2008.02.001

Problem or Theory

Hathazi et al. (2009) present limited research on essential areas such as sexual health and

pregnancy among homeless youths. Despite this, Hathazi et al. (2009) present a picture of over 2

million people living as homeless. Therefore, the results of their vulnerable position expose them

to risky sexual practices coupled with substance abuse, pregnancy, and victimization. For pregnant

women in their homeless state, premature births and delivering a child with low birth weight

becomes their fate. The importance of the study is that the frequency of pregnancy among homeless

youths with adverse life outcomes demands further study on pregnancy as a serious issue.

The study tests the risky outcomes, such as STIs and other infections resulting from risky

sexual behaviors from homeless youths. To summarize the article, Hathazi et al. (2009) present

the study's hypothesis as the possibility of recent pregnancy outcomes, contraceptive practices,

drug abuse, sexual victimization history, and homelessness significantly influencing pregnancy

and sexual health prevalence among youths experiencing homelessness and abuse drugs.

Literature Review

Hathazi et al. (2009) employ 45 sources to assess “pregnancy and sexual health among

homeless youths who are injection drug uses.” The sources comprise peer-reviewed and journal

articles that are instrumental in identifying the gap associated with studies on pregnancy and sexual

health, specifically among homeless youths in the United States. Therefore, the focus is on looking

into the connection between outcomes related to contraception practices, pregnancy outcomes,

Commented [LT2]: Unlike an annotated bibliography, here the citation should appear in the References only and you should include a sentence at the start of this page where you identify the article being reviewed In addition, this is a qualitative article while the assignment was for a quantitative article.

Commented [LT3]: This is awkward and not accurate … the authors noted “research on pregnancy and sexual health among homeless youth is limited”… their study is an effort to address the shortage of research

Commented [LT4]: No, the authors noted that Ringwalt et al., 1998 (as cited by Hathazi et al., 2009) reported “an estimated 500,000 to 2 million young people are homeless in the United States”

Commented [LT5]: No. The way you have written this sentence makes it sound like all homeless pregnant women deliver babies prematurely and at a low birth weight. An accurate way to say this would be: Prior research has found substance abusing pregnant women are at risk for experiencing negative health outcomes, like premature birth or low birth weights (Little et al., 2005, as cited by Hathazi et al., 2009).

Commented [LT6]: This is awkwardly worded; suggest revising

Commented [LT7]: No. This study explored (next page)

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homeless status, prenatal care use, sexual victimization histories, and substance abuse. The studies

create an opportunity to understand how youths experience these risk factors within their lives and

how they can have improved lives within their environments, despite their homeless status.

Data Collection

All primary research studies are founded on specific data collection and analysis

methodologies. The sample comprised 41 homeless young injection drug users from Los

Angeles, New York, and New Orleans. These homeless young injection drug users had a history

of pregnancy. Hathazi et al. (2009) employed qualitative interviews to ensure that data was

collected correctly, focusing on different areas mentioned throughout the study. These areas

include prenatal care utilization, substance abuse, housing status, contraception practices, and

pregnancy outcomes (Hathazi et al., 2009). The data collection process was clearly explained

such that it became easier to replicate in other studies. Interviews are among the easiest data

collection methodologies among studies since they focus on the specificity of issues discussed.

The hypothesis became appropriate since it looked into the abovementioned areas, which

are essential factors to consider in understanding the study's objective. The study is highly

comprehensive such that the knowledge it presents can be used to create relevance in gaps

associated with other studies that have occurred in the past. The data collection method, qualitative

interviews, can initiate a proper understanding of the topic areas. From the assessment of the

sample used, it is essential to note that it is adequate in providing the correct data. Like any other

research study, Hathazi et al. (2009) cannot use data from participants without their informed

consent, even though the study has not mentioned anything since it is unimportant. However, data

collection requires signed consent from participants.

Findings and Conclusions

Commented [LT8]: Comment continued: the pregnancy experiences of homeless youth in the Los Angeles, California area who were also injection drug users (IDUs)

Commented [LT9R8]: The authors did not have a hypothesis. They did “examine the dynamic relationships between pregnancy, housing status, access to care, and drug use among these youth” (Hathazi et al., 2009, p. 341).

Commented [LT10]: A literature review summary should not include the quantification of the sources in their Reference list … you should instead include summary statements such as: Prior research findings indicate homeless youth are at risk for contracting sexually transmitted diseases due to inconsistent condom use and frequently changing sex partners (Anderson et al., 1994; Anderson et al., 1996; Gelberg et al., 2002; Haley et al., 2004; Kipke et al., 1995; Rew, 2001; Wagner et al., 2001 as cited by Hathazi et al., 2009).

Formatted: Left

Commented [LT11]: What kind of sample was this?

Formatted: Highlight

Commented [LT12]: I am not sure what this means, but as a counselor, informed consent is paramount! As was outlined in Chapter 2 of our textbook

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The findings associated with Hathazi et al.’s (2009) study include common infrequent and

ineffective contraception use. The study reported that pregnancy motivated some homeless youths

to experience pregnancy terminations, miscarriages, and housing issues. These are problems

youths from normal and stable housing environments do not experience in large numbers. The data

analysis process involved the digital recording and transcribing of data using six key themes. A

manuscript comprising exploratory quantitative analysis was made possible through SPSS and

coding interviews. Atlas became instrumental in dealing with themes while coding the transcripts.

The study used quotes from hundreds of manuscripts coded in different sections. The findings

included widespread access by youths to prenatal and medical services while pregnant. However,

this accessibility varied among homeless youths (Hathazi et al., 2009).

Additionally, many homeless youths continue abusing drugs and substances during

pregnancy. They also experienced sexual victimization and sexual abuse while homeless. To

conclude, the study identified that despite the challenges these youths experienced, there was room

for improvement. Positive health behaviors despite a high-risk environment could be promoted

during pregnancy among these homeless youths.

Evaluation of the Study

The study is useful since it presents a picture of what it means for youths to live under

vulnerable and deplorable conditions that expose them to sexual risk behaviors. It shows that

homeless youths become susceptible to an issue such as sexual victimization since there is no one

to defend them. The results include unplanned pregnancy. They also contract sexually transmitted

infections. The study focuses only on homeless youths and does not take time to assess similar

problems affecting these youths experienced by youths living in stable housing environments.

Despite unique environments, these are problems that continue to affect everyone. Sexual

Commented [LT13]: Be very careful about using this label

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victimization is common among households, and not all studies have taken a keen interest in

understanding them. The author, accomplished their intent through influencing development in the

study. The objectives, hypothesis, and findings are essential to comprehensively understanding the

topic.

Usefulness of the findings associated with the Study

Pregnancy creates unique opportunities to motivate positive health behaviors among youths

experiencing high-risk issues. These youths have a chance to experience various health services

such as counseling, drug treatment, and parental services that create room for improving their lives.

The study is essential and valuable in understanding the role of sexual victimization in influencing

adverse mental health. It is a guiding framework through which healthcare providers are motivated

to remain sensitive to volatile housing situations and how they affect youths.

Commented [LT14]: I have no idea what this means … as written, you are saying the authors’ findings were driven by the way they structured their study, which while partially true, does indicate that bias played a significant role in the findings.

Commented [LT15]: But how do you plan to use the study’s findings in your own professional world?

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Santa Maria, D., Daundasekara, S. S., Hernandez, D. C., Zhang, W., &Narendorf, S. C. (2020).

Sexual risk classes among youth experiencing homelessness: Relation to childhood

adversities, current mental symptoms, substance use, and HIV testing. Plos one, 15(1),

e0227331. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227331

Problem or Theory

Santa Maria et al. (2020) focused on identifying different sexual risk behavior types among

subgroups accommodating homeless youths between 14 and 24 years old. Having a higher risk of

suffering from HIV and STIs) than their peers living in normal housed environments. The problem

is important since there are significant estimates regarding their position in terms of experiencing

sexual abuse. The reason for contracting HIV and STIs originates from the fact that they may not

likely use condoms, are always intoxicated while having sex, and have multiple partners (Santa

Maria et al., 2020). Instead of a theory, Santa Maria et al. (2020) use the Risk Amplification Model

(RAM) to determine and demonstrate psychosocial, environmental, and homelessness factors

influencing vulnerability among youths experiencing homelessness, contributing to risky

behaviors. The article’s hypothesis looks into the position of homelessness, drug abuse, sexual

victimization, and recent pregnancy outcomes, causing pregnancy and sexual health among young

homeless people abusing drugs.

Literature Review

Santa Maria et al. (2020) have employed over 97 peer-reviewed journal articles to identify

the different sexual risk classes from homelessness that affect youths on the streets. The division

of these articles occurs in different thematic areas. These include childhood adversities, youth’s

mental symptoms, their exposure and participation in abusing drugs and substances, and the

process of testing for HIV among the youths. Regarding the above issues, the used sources of

Commented [LT16]: Again, you should have told the reader what article you were reviewing

Commented [LT17]: I am guessing this is your quantitative article review …

Commented [LT18]: They were focused on identifying subgroups with different types of sexual risk behaviors … which is not really what you are saying here

Commented [LT19]: Awkward; revise

Commented [LT20]: ?

Commented [LT21]: This is not a complete sentence and lacks context

Commented [LT22]: I am not sure what you are trying to say here … it is important so that services can be provided for this teen group

Commented [LT23]: This is not true

Commented [LT24]: awkward

Commented [LT25]: This is not true

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information to provide a comprehensive discussion in the literature focus mainly on two main

classes. These include a low and high-risk class in connection to sexual risks affecting them.

Data Collection Methodology

Santa Maria et al. (2020) employed a latent class analysis as an important data collection

methodology. As an important tool to understand the hypothesis, the study focused on two main

class groups of homeless youths between 13 and 24 years. The study took over a month to visit 47

locations and 97 separate recruitment events (Santa Maria et al., 2020). From the recruitment of

participants, it is evident that the sample was adequate for the study to acquire comprehensiveness.

The sample comprised data-Lower and Higher Risk groups that were instrumental in providing

the required data for the study.

The two class groups of youths experiencing homelessness participating in the study had

unique characteristics that influenced them to appropriately meet the study's objectives and answer

the associated hypothesis. For example, the Higher Risk class had significant levels of synthetic

marijuana and alcohol use. They also experienced higher levels of mental diagnosis. The youths

had also experienced testing for HIV more than those from the Lower Risk group. Apart from

latent class analysis, the study could use interviews and questionnaires with an open-ended

background to collect diverse data from the sample population.

Findings and Conclusions

Again, the latent class analysis played a major role in analyzing the data. Santa Maria et al.

(2020) employed the approach to assessing the sample by risk group and their descriptions. The

study identified a two-class solution as the best fitting model. The study showed that under tests

such as VLMR LRT and the BLRT, two-class became a better fit than using a single class solution.

From the study, it was evident that youths in the Lower Risk group experienced lower rates of

Commented [LT26]: Latent class analysis has nothing to do with data collection; this is solely part of their data analysis

Commented [LT27]: What kind of sample was it?

Commented [LT28]: Which means it was a mixed-methods study and not purely quantitative

Commented [LT29]: You have to spell these out the first time you use them

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issues such as STI history, possessing multiple sexual partners, experiencing early sexual debut,

suffering from forced sex, and participating in trade sex than youths from the higher risk group.

Those from the Lower Risk group were responsible since they used condoms more than

their counterparts. The Higher Risk group also suffered from higher sexual risk factors than those

from lower risk groups due to their higher rates of participating in trade sex, experiencing forced

sex, suffering from STI, and having many sexual partners. The conclusion associated with the

study by Santa Maria et al. (2022) included the Higher Risk group experiencing vulnerability in

terms of HIV and STIs due to their participation in increased sexual risk behaviors than youths

from the Lower Risk group.

Evaluation of the Study

Santa Maria et al.’s (2020) study is useful since it provides a picture of what occurs around

youths experiencing homelessness. There are many issues that such youths experience that should

be evaluated. As a quantitative study, the focus is on understanding the number of youths from

Lower and Higher Risk groups that experience problems such as trading sex, suffering from HIV

and STIs, abusing alcohol, and testing for HIV aids, among others. Understanding the position of

these youths in connection to their vulnerable position creates an opportunity to come up with a

solution that protects their future from the sexual risk factors stated above.

The study's limitations revolve around the fact that it does not give the specific number of

youths experiencing homelessness participating in the study (Santa Maria et al., 2020). It means

that the results have a higher likelihood of vagueness due to a lack of specificity in the number.

Despite the above, the study came up with the right findings regarding what should be done for

youths experiencing homelessness to manage their lives by eliminating the sexual risk factors they

are experiencing.

Commented [LT30]: As written those in the high-risk group are irresponsible … not true 100% of the time … so you must be careful how you word things

Formatted: Highlight

Commented [LT31]: Not exactly, their study wants to undertand the characteristics of youth in these two different subgroup classes of homeless youth engaged in high risk sexual behaviors

Commented [LT32]: ? those data are in table 3

Commented [LT33]: To clarify – as stated, you are saying the authors found what they wanted to find … this means this is biased research and it would NEVER be published in a peer-reviewed journal … you must use more accurate phrasing

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Use of the Findings in the Professional World

When it comes to the professional world, research plays a crucial role in enhancing and

influencing effective decision-making outcomes. In this case, Santa Maria et al.’s (2020) findings

will be used to develop proper mechanisms to identify the number of youths experiencing

homelessness affected by sexual risk factors. Also, the study will identify existing psychosocial,

economic, and social methodologies used to manage sexual vulnerability among youths

experiencing homelessness. Therefore, the outcome will include improving the methodologies by

introducing these youths to use platforms that remind them of the dangers of participating in risky

sexual behaviours. Youths can be provided with adequate amenities to support their economic and

social needs and prevent them from continuing these risky sexual behaviors.

Commented [LT34]: Not exactly

Commented [LT35]: Not exactly

Commented [LT36]: I am not sure what this means

Commented [LT37]: Again, you need to be cautious with your word usage

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References

Hathazi, D., Lankenau, S. E., Sanders, B., & Bloom, J. J. (2009). Pregnancy and sexual health

among homeless young injection drug users. Journal of Aadolescence, 32(2), 339-355.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2008.02.001doi: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2008.02.001

Santa Maria, D., Daundasekara, S. S., Hernandez, D. C., Zhang, W., &Narendorf, S. C. (2020).

Sexual risk classes among youth experiencing homelessness: Relation to childhood

adversities, current mental symptoms, substance use, and HIV testing. Plos one, 15(1),

e0227331. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227331

Formatted: Font: Italic

Formatted: Font: Italic

Commented [LT38]: The DOI should appear as a website and be a live link

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