Taking a chance on love: risk behaviour of Sydney street youth

Two samples of street youth from the inner city area of Sydney, ranging in age from 13 to 20, with a mean of 17, were surveyed via a lengthy questionnaire. The first survey in 1989/90 (n = 92; 66 males, 26 females) revealed high levels of physical and sexual abuse; violence and negative relationships as major factors in leaving home; safe sexual practice not common (other than for those prostituting); polydrug use widespread and heavier for females; some needle sharing by injecting drug users (IDU). Second survey, 190/91 (n = 100; 70 males, 30 females), confirmed previous picture, but found changes in immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk behaviours: needle sharing reduced; for those prostituting an increase in safe sexual practices with clients; reduction in regular safe sexual practices with non-paying partners. IDU was significantly linked to prostitution as was needle sharing. Some changes are in an encouraging direction, but more preventive work is needed focusing on safe behaviours with non-paying partners and how to initiate and negotiate these. More qualitative or ethnographic research could better inform such efforts and, indigenous strategies deserve recognition.