Substance use and its co-relates among homeless youths in selected cities of northern Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study

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Objectives This study aimed to assess substance use and its co-relates among homeless youths in selected cities of the Tigray region in northern Ethiopia.Methods A community-based comparative cross-sectional survey of 422 homeless youth (247 substance users and 175 non-users) was conducted in three cities between July 1 and August 30 2021. A convenience sampling technique was used to identify homeless youths and a multivariable binary logistic regression model was used to determine the factors associated with substance use among homeless youth.Results Those youths with formal schooling (AOR = 7.57; 95% CI 2.18, 16.28), currently unmarried parents (AOR = 5.09; 95% CI 1.64, 15.74), higher family income (AOR = 12.6; 95% CI 4.14, 23.42), and who are accompanied by non-family members during their relocation (AOR = 10.76; 95% CI 3.94, 19.41) were found to be more likely to be substance users. However, youth whose families are supported by other non-family members were less likely to be substance users (AOR = 0.03; 95%. CI 0.004, 0.26).Conclusions A large proportion of homeless youths use at least one type of substance and report having at least one health issue. Substance abuse prevention education must be integrated into the educational curriculum.

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