Abstract

Objectives: To explore the risks associated with HIV/AIDS such as unsafe sexual practices and drug use among Pakistani street children.
Methodology: The data were collected from a sample of 40 street children during September-October, 2014. All were boys with an age range of 9-18 years (mean 12.7± 2.16). Data were collected from Child Protection and Welfare Bureau Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Individual interviews of almost 30 minutes were conducted by using HIV/AIDS Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Interview Schedule (HIV/AIDS KAPSE) devised by Authors.
Results: Almost 40% of children were using drugs. Most common drugs were Charas (Hashish) and Samad Bond (glue sniffing). Injection drug use was not found. Almost 73% of participants were involved in unsafe sexual practices. Nearly, 82% of the participants were spending night either on footpath or at bus stop, 57% of them was sexually involved with the boys of their similar age. Almost 63% reported they gain pleasure from this act. Only 10% were aware of HIV/AIDS, but lacking accurate knowledge. Participant’s attitude towards person living with HIV/AIDS was negative.
Conclusion: Street children are a vulnerable group for HIV and sexually transmitted diseases. Timely interventions and voluntary counselling and testing can mitigate the vulnerability.

Key words: Street children, HIV/AIDS, human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome, sexually transmitted diseases, Charas, Samad Bond.