Adolescent Use of Two Types of HIV Prevention Agencies

ABSTRACT This study compared two groups of adolescents seeking help at HIV prevention drop-in agencies. The first group attended agencies in low-income Hispanic neighborhoods which recruited within the locale. The second group of youth attended agencies that recruited based upon a specific population—they targeted homeless and LGBQ youth. We explored the characteristics of adolescents who sought initial services, the types of services requested, and attitudes toward the centers. Results indicated that those who utilized the population-based agencies were more likely to be homeless, have higher depression scores, and be older. They reported coming to the agency to find a safe place, whereas those who utilized the neighborhood-based agencies came specifically for concrete services. Implications are discussed.