Drug Use among Street Children in Tehran, Iran: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Introduction and objectiveGlobally, children who work and live on the streets are at higher risk of undesired behavioral health outcomes, including increased drug use and abuse. Considering the rapid growth of this population in Iran and the lack of program planning that is partly due to a scarcity of research-based information, this study was conducted in 2013 to investigate drug use among street children in Tehran.1MethodWith a qualitative design, we conducted a Rapid Assessment and Response Survey of street children in Tehran, 2012–2013. Data were also obtained from 10 focus group discussions with street children using semi-structured questionnaires and 27 in-depth interviews with key informants in governmental, non-governmental, and international organizations.ResultsThe variation in age at first use, type of drugs, and pattern of drug use were found based on ethnicity. Consuming of Alcohol was reported to be more among an ethnic group. Drug use problems were commonly described among families of street children. Children whose parents had drug-use problems described using drugs earlier than other children. Informants reported that families with drug-related problems used children for procurement of drugs. Children themselves described using drugs to cope with stress, and to reduce physical and psychological stressors and problems, such as fatigue, sadness, and pressure, resulting from frequent failures in life.ConclusionThese results suggest that intervention and prevention programs dealing with drug use of street children in Iran should include family and peers when addressing drug use by street children.

Former street‐working boys in Iraq highlight the importance of receiving education, training and support from families and other adults

“…The negative impact of street work was very similar to reports from previous studies 1,9,12,16 and included accidents, harmful environments, sexual abuse and substance use. Some participants seemed to be very traumatised by their experiences and showed strong emotional reactions when they recalled their time as street‐working children.…”

“…In addition, they face a greater risk of suppression, harassment, abuse, neglect, exploitation, trafficking and sexual abuse 11 . Street children often report early‐onset substance abuse 12,13 and mental health problems, particularly high levels of stress, anti‐social behaviour, anxiety, depression and other mental disorders 7,12,14 …”

“…stress, anti-social behaviour, anxiety, depression and other mental disorders. 7,12,14 However, there are large variations in the hardships experienced by street-working children. The United Nations International Labour Organization permits light work from 12 years of age, if it does not negatively affect the health and development of the working children or interfere with their education.…”

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“…Notwithstanding, there is some similarity in second-generation attitudes and preferences, in relation to gender relations and roles, the value of education, and economic aspirations [ 45 ]. In addition, reports indicate a lower rate of involvement with drug use in Afghan children, compared to Iranian children [ 46 ].…”

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“…Iran shares a border with Afghanistan, a major manufacturer of narcotics, which facilitates the importation of illicit drugs to Iran [ 3 , 5 ]. As in other Islamic countries, substance use is forbidden in Iran based on Islamic law, customs, and social values [ 6 ]. Despite this, Iran ranks high in opium use; about 1.8–3.3 million persons use drugs annually [ 3 ], and drug and alcohol disorders make up about 2% of the total disease burden [ 7 ].…”