Background: There are millions of children around the world living on the street. They are at higher risk of physical, sexual and drug abuse, and have no access to health care facilities. Therefore they are at risk of viral infections such as HCV and HIV. The aim of this study was determining the prevalence of HCV and HIV infection in Isfahan street children (2005-2007).
Methods: The cross-sectional study was taken place on 386 street children through a nonprobable-convenience sampling method. They were requested to answer a questionnaire (demographic and behavioral data), and then they were tested for anti HCV and anti HIV antibodies.
Results: Among 386 street children, 270 (70%) were boys and the mean age was 12.62±3.23 years. The majority of them, 267 cases (69%), were on the street for financial reasons. 353 (91.7%), 366 (94.8%) and 375 (97.2%) of them had no history of smoking, using alcohol or substance addiction, respectively. 40 (34.5%) of girls and 12 (4.4%) of boys (p<0.0001) were engaged in sex and 79 (68%) of girls and 46 (17%) of boys (p<0.0001) were involved in physical fighting. All of the children had negative serology for HIV infection. Nevertheless, four of them (1%) were positive for HCV Ab.
Conclusion: The knowledge of street children about high risk behaviors and the infectious diseases should be improved through educational programs. They need also legal, social and health support.