Sexual Abuse, Alcohol and Other Drug use, and Suicidal Behaviors in Homeless Adolescents

The authors sought to describe patterns of sexual abuse, substance use, & indicators of suicidal behaviours in homeless adolescents & to determine gender & ethnic differences in these factors. They found that during the past 12 months, 35.1% of the sample had seriously considered suicide & 12.3% had actually attempted suicide at least once. Significantly more Hispanics than Whites had considered suicide. Participants with a history of sexual abuse were significantly more likely to have considered suicide in the past 12 months. (47 refs)