ABSTRACT
The costs of living on the streets are not all emotional and psychological. Hunger and malnutrition coupled with stress, lack of rest, and substance abuse weaken immune systems and exacerbate risk for infectious diseases. High levels of sexual activity increase risks of pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), sexual assault, and gynecological problems (Barkin, Balkrishnan, Manuel, Anderson, & Gelberg, 2003). And, as we have seen in previous chapters, unintentional and intentional injuries may result in serious physical injuries that require medical attention.
