Life on streets.
OBJECTIVE
Millions of children leave home in hope of finding a more tolerable life. The study tries to find out the kind of life they lead once out on the streets.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study of all street boys admitted to a Child Observation Home in New Delhi during specified 6 months. Questions regarding various aspects of survival on streets were asked.


RESULTS
Majority are forced to work in informal sector for survival with earnings well below the minimum wages. To escape from the exploitation and hardships, many begin abusing substances. The street experience leads to hopelessness for the future and suicidal tendencies.


CONCLUSIONS
After circumstances at home force these kids to escape, they are caught up in yet another world of exploitation, hunger, violence and abuse.
Tiwari
Poornima
P
Department of Community Medicine, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdurjung Hospital, New Delhi, India. sheeloopoonam@yahoo.com
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D018453:Homeless Youth / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014505:Urban Population