Health risks of homeless adolescents. Implications for holistic nursing.

Although the exact number of homeless adolescents is unknown, it is estimated that this population may exceed 2 million. Literally living on the streets, homeless youth are at risk for a variety of physical, psychosocial, and spiritual health problems. Many engage in "survival sex," exchanging sexual favors for necessities of food, clothing, and shelter. Such risky sexual behaviors make them vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and unintended pregnancies. Many have serious, diagnosable mental health problems, whereas others suffer various consequences of substance abuse. There is a need for comprehensive and holistic health care services, for which the majority of homeless youth have very limited access. Holistic nursing can provide creative interventions for thus vulnerable population.