Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 1, 2026
Moderate Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Quantification of Social Behavior in Adult Rats
Published on: December 14, 2014
Prevalence of glue-sniffing among street children
Sanjay Kumar Sah1, Nira Neupane2, Anupama Pradhan Thaiba2
1Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China.
Insights
Glue-sniffing is prevalent among street children in Nepal, with 88.46% engaging in the practice. Many are unaware of the health risks, experiencing issues like headaches and stomach pain.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Child Development
- Substance Abuse Research
Background:
- Street children face significant challenges, including substance abuse and uncertain futures.
- Glue-sniffing is a concerning issue impacting the health and well-being of vulnerable youth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of glue-sniffing among street children.
- To investigate the impact of glue-sniffing on street children's health and awareness of its effects.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 52 street children in Butwal, Nepal.
- Data were collected using structured and semi-structured questionnaires, including a 5-point Likert scale and interviews.
- Descriptive statistical methods (frequency, percentage, mean) were used for data analysis.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of glue-sniffing among street children was found to be 88.46%.
- The majority of participants (92.31%) were male, and 40.38% were between 9-12 years old.
- Nearly half (45.65%) reported health issues, and 89.13% were unaware of glue-sniffing's adverse effects.
Conclusions:
- Street children are deprived of their rights and face an uncertain future, exacerbated by substance abuse.
- Intervention and support are crucial to provide these children with a better environment and a hopeful future.
Aim:
The aim was to determine the prevalence of glue-sniffing among street children.
Design:
A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted.
Background:
Children are the source of hope and could be the major ailments for the development of society, nation and the world but there are large numbers of children on the street sniff glue and struggling with multiple disease and uncertain future.
Methods:
A study was conducted in 52 street children to determine the prevalence of glue-sniffers and its impact on street children in Butwal, municipality of Nepal. This study was conducted in 52 street children, 5- point Likert scale and interview schedule was performed with the help of structured and semi-structured questionnaire to collect data. Finally, the collected data are analysed by using descriptive statistical methods such as frequency, percentage and mean.
Results:
The study findings revealed that a large number of children, that is 40.38% was between the age group of 9-12 years and 92.31% were male. The current prevalence of glue-sniffing among street children is 88.46%. Similarly, 58.7% of respondents had started glue-sniffing 1 year ago. Out of 46 respondents who sniffed glue, 89.13% were unaware of its effect. Nearly, half of the respondents 45.65% had encountered health issues such as headache, chest pain and stomach ache.
Conclusions:
They have deprived children and denied not only of their rights as children but also of their normal childhood. Without guidance, education and security, they are heading towards an uncertain future. They can have enough potentiality and talent if they are brought into a better environment and might have real hope for the bright future.
