Author/Authors :
Ahmadkhaniha, Hamid Reza Mental Health Research Center of Tehran Psychiatric Institute - Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Hakim shooshtari, Mitra Mental Health Research Center of Tehran Psychiatric Institute - Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Mohammadian, Mehrdad Mental Health Research Center of Tehran Psychiatric Institute - Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Naserbakht, Morteza Mental Health Research Center of Tehran Psychiatric Institute - Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Ghazaiepour, Farzad Mental Health Research Center of Tehran Psychiatric Institute - Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract :
Background: Economy, lack of welfare and social services, AIDS and civil war, and also
substance abuse are predominant factors that attributes with street children.
Methods: 576 street children of 10-19 years were evaluated. Data were gathered by demographic
and substance use check list. Theses check lists were designed by the researchers
and included some simple question about type and duration of substance use. Several
psychiatrists confirmed the content of check list.
Results: 36.7% of the children had lifetime smoking of cigarette. The frequency of
smoking in boys was significantly higher than girls (P<0.05). The mean age of the girls
with smoking habit was significantly lower than the boys (P<0.05).
Conclusion: It should be noted that street children are at high risk group for using tobacco.
Theses children are also exposed to the dangerous behaviors and sexually transmitted
diseases.
