Background and Aim : The reasons for substance use among homeless
youth differ, but homeless
youth may use substances as a coping strategy for family conflict, homelessness and, other problems. It is estimated the prevalence of substance use among homeless is higher than other populations. The aim of the present study is to determine the prevalence of associated factors with tobacco use and also drug use including alcohol among homeless
youth in Kerman city.Methods : In a cross-sectional study, using time-location sampling, from September to December 2017, 202 homeless
youth were recruited to study. Data were collected using a questionnaire and completed by trained interviewers. Inclusion criteria included age from 19 to 29 years old and Lack of adequate shelter for at least a month. We used descriptive statistics to estimate the prevalence of substance use, chi2 statistics and logistic regression to determine the associated factors. We explored the correlates of drug use and tobacco use through a self-reported history of drug use (Alcohol, Opioids, Stimulants, Hallucinogens) and tobacco use (cigarettes, shisha tobacco, pipe tobacco, dipping tobacco, snus). Results : The mean ± standard deviation (SD) age of the participants was 26.3 ± 3.19 years. The Prevalence of drug use was 60% (95% Confidence Intervals (CI): 53%, 66%) and the prevalence of tobacco use was 59% (95% CI: 51, 65). In the multivariable model, drug use was significantly correlated with male sex (AOR= 13.38; 95% CI: 4.50-39.76), having age group as 25-29 (AOR= 3.94; 95% CI: 1.32-11.76), Iranian nationality (AOR= 24.0; 95% CI: 4.08-141.27) and tobacco use (AOR= 50.1; 95% CI: 16.87-149.13). Tobacco use was significantly correlated with homeless status (AOR= 15.1; 95%CI: 4.95-46.21) and full- or part-time job (AOR= 6.9; 95% CI: 3.26-14.62).Conclusion : The high prevalence of substance use among homeless
youth is concerning and the study identified effective factors for drug use and tobacco use to obtain more information in this field. Therefore, to reduce the impacts of these issues it is necessary to increase social support and improve living conditions of this population. Also educational intervention related to drugs and tobacco use can have a bilateral effect to reduce the consumption of both substances.