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 2012-2013 in Tehran using a rapid assessment and response (RAR) method. Data were gathered from 289 street children (boys and girls), who were selected through time-location sampling (TLS) method, and 16 interviews with key informants and 13 group discussions with street children who were selected through purposive and snowball sampling methods. Results: Among the study’s participants, 8.7% (95%CI: 5.3-11.8) reported a history of sexual abuse and 21.1% (95%CI: 16.4-25.8) had experienced sexual relations, in which, 37.7% of cases 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.