Health educators' perceptions of a sexual health intervention for homeless adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of health educators in providing a brief, street-based intervention to homeless adolescents.


METHODS
Qualitative data were collected via e-mail from a purposive sample of 13 male and female health educators who provided the intervention and analyzed using manifest and latent content analysis techniques.


RESULTS
Five categories with two or more subcategories were identified in the data and included how the educators' views changed, how they felt homeless youth were similar to and different from other adolescents, positive aspects and challenges of providing the intervention, and suggestions for future interventionists working with this population.


CONCLUSIONS
The health educators' practice was strengthened over the course of providing the intervention through their positive experiences, changes in their perceptions, some of which were biased, and ability to confront the challenges that accompany working with this vulnerable population.


CONCLUSIONS
Health educators who work with this population should learn about the culture of homeless youth and characteristics of homeless youth that may influence their participation in a sexual health intervention. Moreover, they need to be non-judgmental, practice the intervention, be aware of their biases, and remain flexible.
Rew
Lynn
L
School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78710, United States. ellerew@mail.utexas.edu
Rochlen
Aaron B
AB
Murphey
Christina
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003159:Community-Institutional Relations; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D018453:Homeless Youth / Q000193:education* / Q000208:ethnology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D011287:Prejudice; D024382:Professional Role / Q000523:psychology; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012736:Sex Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D013240:Stereotyping; D013781:Texas