Street children in Tehran and risk factors for substance abuse

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.