Health and adverse childhood experiences among homeless youth

Abstract Background Homelessness is associated with health problems and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The risk of chronic conditions for homeless compared to housed youth, how this interacts ACEs remains unclear. This study investigated the relationship between ACEs, housing, child health, whether: 1) vary by housing context; 2) homelessness confer independent risks; 3) interact regard adolescent health. Methods Using data from 119,254 8th–11th graders, we tested joint effects past-year status (housed, family homelessness, unaccompanied homelessness) on overall conditions, controlling sociodemographic covariates. Results prevalence varied status, 34.1% youth experiencing ?1 ACE vs. 56.3% family-homeless 85.5% unaccompanied-homeless youth. Health similarly. were independently low after adjusting Compared both had increased odds physical and/or mental conditions. All x housing-status interactions significant (all p < 0.001), such that ACE-related risks moderated status. Conclusions predict during adolescence beyond other risks. Experiencing whether unaccomapnied or family, risk, every additional increases risk. Clinicians systems should advocate policies include stable as a protective factor.