HIV knowledge and sexual risk behaviors of street children in Takoradi, Ghana.
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.
Wutoh
Anthony K
AK
School of Pharmacy, Center for Minority Health Services Research, Howard University, 2300 4th Street NW, Washington, DC 20059, USA. awutoh@howard.edu
Kumoji
E Kuor
EK
Xue
Zhenyi
Z
Campusano
Gregorina
G
Wutoh
Rita D
RD
Ofosu
Joseph R
JR
D001294:Attitude to Health; D001364:Awareness; D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005869:Ghana / Q000453:epidemiology; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology