Life Style and Risk Behavior of Street Children in Bangladesh: A Health Perspective

Abstract

Background: Street children concern to millions of deprived boys and girls who have adopted the street as their residence. They grow up where tranquility and physical and emotional stability are frequently threatened. The purpose is to have an empathetic look into the lives of street children for identifying their health-related needs. Method: A cross sectional descriptive type of study was conducted among 125 street children between the ages 8 to 14 years who were available at different intercept points of Dhaka city, Bangladesh. The information was collected through face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire. An attempt was made to relate their lifestyle, risk behavior and health impact upon the socio demographic characteristics. Result: According to the statement of street children, poverty (41%) is the main reason behind enforcing the children to stay and work on the street. They pass their leisure by playing games, roaming around by watching video/cinema but on the other side of the coin, they are frequently abused (80.8%) either physically or sexually. Regarding health, about 87.2% of street children were suffering from different type of diseases as accidental injury, skin infection, hepatitis, sexually transmitted diseases and warm infestation. Conclusion: A careful examination of the lives of these children will provide a clearer understanding of their disadvantageous life. A better diagnosis of the contributing factors will help to minimize the extent of the problems and also to develop innovative approaches and ensure a healthy lifestyle, protection and rehabilitation for those children.

Listen to the voices of street children: A case study in Trinidad and Tobago

“…They endure tremendous oppression and work in perilous situations. Chowdhury et al (2017) also believe that are often with disdain and scant courtesy. Action for the Rights of Children (2001Children ( -2021 add that: "Violent conflicts, severe socio-economic crises like displacement, distraction of normal life, and separation from family and/ or community are crucial factors in causing lifelong effects on children.…”

“…This is a remarkable quality of street children. Chowdhury et al (2017) suggest that street children are susceptible to all types of abuses and exploitation. They endure tremendous oppression and work in perilous situations.…”

Social Disorganization and Lack of Recognition Increase Stress Among the Street Children of Dhaka

“…Bangladesh is a poor, overpopulated, and ill-governed nation where the government, along with international organizations, are working together to improve the economic and demographic situation (Chowdhury et al, 2017). Street children are habitually treated negligently and with dereliction.…”

Lived Experience, Coping Strategies and Social Network of Street-working Children

“…Street children concern to millions of deprived boys and girls who have adopted the street as their residence. They grow up where tranquility and physical and emotional stability are frequently threatened [18]. Fig.…”