Child Abuse Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Child Abuse, including details on family violence, examinations, long-term effects, psychiatrics disorders.

HIV knowledge and sexual risk behaviors of street children in Takoradi, Ghana.

Wutoh AK, Kumoji EK, Xue Z, Campusano G, Wutoh RD, Ofosu JR

School of Pharmacy, Center for Minority Health Services Research, Howard University, 2300 4th Street NW, Washington, DC 20059, USA. awutoh@howard.edu

A pilot survey was conducted among 100 street children aged 11-19 years and data collected regarding HIV knowledge, risk behaviors, home and sexual experiences, and factors that contributed to their relocation to the street environment. Data indicated that 80% of the street children had at least minimal knowledge of HIV and 54% perceived themselves to be at risk for contracting HIV. More than three-fourths of the females, and over half of the boys reported ever having sex. There were significant differences between males and females for sexual activity, physical and sexual abuse, and prostitution, as girls were more likely to be sexually active, physically abused, and involved in prostitution.

Published 12 April 2006 in AIDS Behav, 10(2): 209-15.
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