Lifetime drug use and related factors among street children and youth in Iran in 2016

Background: The prevalence and patterns of substance use and its related risk factors in street children are significant for policymakers. The present study was conducted in six cities of Iran to explore the prevalence rate of drug use disorders and their associated high-risk behaviors among street children. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016 among 856 street children in Iran. The samples were recruited through Time-Location Sampling (TLS) method. Trained interviewers administered the questionnaires. The applied questionnaire consisted of modules concerning sociodemographic characteristics and risky behaviors. We used bivariate and multiple logistic regression models to identify factors associated with drug use disorders. Results: Of 856 street children participants, 5.28% (CI 95%: 3.84, 7.04) reported lifetime drug use. According to the final multivariable model, factors including nationality (AOR = 4.79, 95% CI 1.57, 14.56), father's history of drug use (AOR = 3.25, 95% CI 1.43, 7.41), and alcohol use (AOR = 5.63, 95% CI 2.43, 13.07) were independently associated with lifetime drug use. Conclusion: The children with Iranian nationality, father's history of drug use, and alcohol use had significantly higher odds of lifetime drug use. This study calls for the development of an urgent plan to implement appropriate interventions for street children, particularly high-risk ones in Iran.