Related Experiment Videos
Street children--a preliminary study
M P Senanayake1, A Ranasinghe, C Balasuriya
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Colombo.
Insights
Street children in Colombo face significant abuse and exploitation. Key risks include road traffic accidents, physical abuse, and sexual abuse, highlighting their vulnerability.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Child Welfare
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Colombo's street children represent a vulnerable population with complex social and health challenges.
- Understanding their background, lifestyles, and health status is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the demographics, life circumstances, health conditions, and prevalence of abuse among street children in Colombo.
- To identify the primary hazards and contributing factors to their street life.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective descriptive survey was conducted.
- Data were collected from 50 street children using a semistructured questionnaire, physical examination, and laboratory investigations.
Main Results:
- Participants aged 4-17 years, with 64% males and 18% ethnic minorities.
- 36% cited family disintegration; 38% reported child labor; 16% experienced sexual abuse.
- Common health issues included respiratory/skin infections and injuries from road traffic accidents.
Conclusions:
- Street children in Colombo are a significantly abused and exploited demographic.
- They face substantial risks including road traffic accidents, physical, and sexual abuse.
Objective:
To study the background, life styles, health and prevalence of abuse of street children in Colombo.
Study Sample:
50 street children receiving temporary day care or night shelter from community service centres were serially recruited.
Design:
A retrospective descriptive survey. Demographic, experiential and clinical data were collected by an interviewer, based on a semistructured questionnaire, followed by physical examination and laboratory investigation.
Results:
The children were aged between 4 and 17 years. (Mean 10.5 years.) 64% were males and 18% belonged to ethnic minorities. The majority (84%) had family ties. Family disintegration was mentioned as the cause for life on the streets by 36%. Child labour was reported in 38%. 16% admitted to being sexually abused. 20% were tobacco smokers. Respiratory and skin infections, and injuries incurred in road traffic accidents were the main causes of morbidity.
Conclusion:
Street children in Colombo are an abused and exploited group. Road traffic accidents, and physical and sexual abuse are the main hazards of the street they are exposed to.