Comparison of treatment response among GLB and non-GLB street-living youth

Authors:
GRAFSKY Erika L., et al
Journal article citation:
Children and Youth Services Review, 33(5), May 2011, pp.569-574.
Publisher:
Elsevier

Researchers have found that adolescents who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual (GLB) are at a higher risk for increased substance use and mental health symptoms. This study uses secondary analysis of two clinical trials for street-living youth to examine whether self-identification as gay, lesbian, or bisexual (GLB) acts as a moderator of treatment effects. It also examines whether street-living GLB youth respond differently to a therapeutic intervention than non-GLB street-living youth. Comparisons were made of treatment outcomes on two categories of variables (drug use and mental health symptoms) among 244 homeless GLB and non-GLB identified adolescents in Mexico. Overall, GLB and non-GLB adolescents showed similar reductions in drug use and mental health symptoms. However, compared to non-GLB adolescents, GLB adolescents showed greater improvement in reduction of drug use and internalizing and depressive symptom scores. While both groups reported less drug use and fewer mental health symptoms from baseline to post-intervention, GLB youth's scores improved more drastically. Implications of using the identified treatment intervention are discussed.

Subject terms:
homeless people, intervention, LGBT people, mental health problems, substance misuse, young people;
Content type:
research
Location(s):
Mexico
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN print:
0190-7409

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