Attitudes of homeless and drug-using youth regarding barriers and facilitators in delivery of quality and culturally sensitive health care.
OBJECTIVE
Major barriers to care included a lack of culturally competent, accessible care despite the proximity of numerous health service agencies serving homeless youth.


METHODS
A qualitative approach using semistructured focus groups was used to assess the perspectives of 54 homeless and drug-using youth, aged 18-24 years, recruited from street- and shelter-based settings.


RESULTS
Substance use was perceived as an adaptive response to psychological pain and survival on the streets as well as a health risk and barrier to care.


CONCLUSIONS
Facilitators to care and suggestions for improved health delivery and quality of care included utilization of health "mentors" to assist in navigating the medical system, cultural competency enhancements, improved amenities in clinic wait areas, and expanded pharmaceutical services.
Christiani
Ashley
A
David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, USA.
Hudson
Angela L
AL
Nyamathi
Adeline
A
Mutere
Malaika
M
Sweat
Jeffrey
J
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002140:California; D054521:Cultural Competency; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055030:Drug Users / Q000523:psychology*; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005249:Fees and Charges; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D036301:Qualitative Research; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014850:Waiting Lists; D055815:Young Adult