Health care needs of homeless adolescents

Most homeless teenagers are running away from abusive or violent home situations. Many of the daily survival tactics employed by runaways put them at risk for a variety of medical problems, including sexually transmitted diseases, hepatitis, tuberculosis, trauma, accidents, and HIV infection. Mental health issues of depression, low self-esteem, hostility, and suicidal behavior or ideation are common and may be compounded by drug abuse or addiction. Barriers to obtaining care for the uninsured homeless teenager encompass confidentiality issues, minor status, and general distrust of adult authority figures. To improve the health care of homeless adolescents, practitioners must encourage research and data collection while supporting and providing accessible medical outreach programs and mental health services.