Sexual health, vulnerabilities and risk behaviours among homeless adults
Verena Strehlau A B D , Iris Torchalla A B , Isabelle Linden B , Kathy Li B and Michael Krausz A B C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A University of British Columbia, Department of Psychiatry, Detwiller Pavilion, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada.
B Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, 588-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada.
C School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, James Mather Building, 5804 Fairview Avenue Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
D Corresponding author. Email: verena.strehlau@ubc.ca
Sexual Health 11(1) 91-93 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH14019
Submitted: 18 July 2013 Accepted: 4 February 2014 Published: 26 March 2014
Abstract
It is well known that homeless individuals are at risk for a variety of health problems, including sexually transmissible infections. Optimisation of health services for the homeless requires knowledge of their sexual health. The sexual health and sexual vulnerability factors of 500 homeless adults (196 women) were assessed in a cross-sectional survey in three Canadian cities. Our data indicate that a significant proportion of individuals and more women than men reported multiple experiences that compromise their sexual health exponentially. These findings may inform health policies related to sexuality to foster positive sexual health outcomes for all people, including marginalised populations.
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