An exploration of the health concepts, peer-helping behaviours and attitudes of street-involved youth

Health concepts, peer-helping behaviours and the role of the peer network in passing health information was explored among street-involved youth in a city in northern British Columbia. Perceptions of 21 youth were gathered through interviews and/or focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using content analysis and were viewed through the lens of the health belief and health promotion models. Results indicate that street-involved youth form peer groups and that these peer groups provide some positive support but also reinforce some unhealthy behaviours. The youth provide one another with some information related to their health and are able to provide guidance as to who would prove to be effective peer health counsellors. Youths' descriptions of what it means to be healthy depict mainly physical states of health and convey that the youth either have not incorporated a broad or holistic sense of health into their health concepts or are simply unable to express it. Exceptions to this limited view of health are among older youth who have had exposure to counselling. The Health Promotion Model was useful in explaining links between the health concept of street involved youth and its implications for the development of effective peer programs. The Health Belief Model was useful in calling attention to some of the perceived barriers to health action that could be minimized through an effective peer program. Implications for further research into factors underlying variations in health concepts and peer-helping behaviour in street-involved youth are discussed.