AEGiS-15IAC: HIV/AIDS risk behavior and practices among children living in the streets of Pakistan.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

HIV/AIDS risk behavior and practices among children living in the streets of Pakistan.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. TuOrC1151)

Emmanuel F, Iqbal F, Khan N
Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan

BACKGROUND: Increasing number of Street children is one of the emerging Public health threats faced by Pakistan. Anecdotal data suggests that these children are among the most vulnerable populations at risk of acquiring and spreading HIV infection, due to lacking awareness and extremely risky sexual practices. This cross sectional study was therefore conducted to assess the HIV awareness and related risk practices among street living children in Pakistan.

METHODS: 1,192 children living on the street were interviewed in 10 cities reported to have maximum number of street children. Data were collected during October to December 2003, by trained interviewers, using pre-tested questionnaire on various socio-demographic & personal characteristics, HIV knowledge, Injection drug use and sexual practices.

RESULTS: Preliminary data analysis of 700 subjects showed that half of the respondents have heard of the disease. Among these, 58% had an idea about sex-related while only 9% knew about IDU-related transmission of the disease. However, knowledge regarding ways to protect infection was negligible. More than 70% of the children reported of rape and sexual assault by older men. The median age of initiation of sexual activity was 10 yrs, and 66% of the children interviewed were sexually active currently having both male (4.7 ± 2.1) and female (1.8 ± 2.0) sexual partners. 31% of the sexually active children reported having had sex with Female sex workers and Transvestites in the past year. Condom use during the last sexual intercourse was reported to be only 12% (only female partner). 33% of the children had exchanged money for sex.

CONCLUSIONS: We propose a comprehensive national program on HIV/AIDS & STD prevention to create awareness and impart skills and services to practice safe sex. Steps need to be taken to rehabilitate these children and place them back in their families.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Seropositivity, Risk-Taking, HIV Infections, Sexual Behavior, Sexual Partners, Infection, Knowledge, Cross-Sectional Studies, Behavior, Pakistan, Child, Humans, Male, Female

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