Rapid assessment of high-risk sexual behavior in street children of Tehran

Background: Street children, due to their living and working conditions, are exposed to various injuries, and part of these are caused or exacerbated by engaging in high-risk behaviors. This study aimed to explore the sexual behaviors and their risks in street children.Methods: This study was conducted in ۲۰۱۲-۲۰۱۳ in Tehran using a rapid assessment and response (RAR) method. Data were gathered from ۲۸۹ street children (boys and girls), who were selected through time-location sampling (TLS) method, and ۱۶ interviews with key informants and ۱۳ group discussions with street children who were selected through purposive and snowball sampling methods.Results: Among the study’s participants, ۸.۷% (۹۵%CI: ۵.۳-۱۱.۸) reported a history of sexual abuse and ۲۱.۱% (۹۵%CI: ۱۶.۴-۲۵.۸) had experienced sexual relations, in which, ۳۷.۷% ofcases used sexual protection.Conclusion: The present study confirms the vulnerability of street children, the negative effects of environmental factors, and behavioral determinants of health and well-being. Further, it emphasizes the need for effective health interventions, particularly education and social support.

Keywords:

Sexual Behavior , Sex Offenses , Social Support , Street Children