The Frequency of Sexual Abuse and Depression in a Sample of Street Children of One of Deprived Districts of Tehran

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of sexual abuse and depression among street children who live in a deprived district of Tehran. The researchers used the K-SADS questionnaire and a clinical interview were used to evaluate depression and sexual abuse in 87 street children in Tehran. Eighteen (20.9%) of the children had been sexually abused. Depressed children were 3.2 times more likely to be sexually abused than non-depressed children. Furthermore, 26 girls (86.7%) and 27 boys (48.2%) suffered from depression. The frequency of depression demonstrated a significant association with the father's or breadwinner's history of imprisonment or unemployment. Interventional programs providing education and support should be implemented for street children.