Local Action for Sexual and Reproductive Health of Street Children: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Context: Street children may expose to high-risk behaviors such as unwanted pregnancy, abortion, and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). Objectives: This study systematically reviewed and presented preventive strategies for promoting Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) against unsafe abortion, STDs, and unwanted pregnancy in street children. Data Source: In this systematic review, we searched databases of ScienceDirect, Web of Science (ISI), PubMed, Scopus, Scientific Information Database (SID), and Google Scholar. Published articles between 1990 and 2020 were retrieved. Finally, 41 articles were used to compile the results of this study. Study Selection: A total of 1522 potentially relevant articles were identified; 275 articles were removed due to duplication and in abstract screening, and 766 articles did not meet the inclusion criteria or focus on the research question. Next, the full-text of 481 remained articles were screened. Studies in languages other than English or Persian, studies presented in conferences, and those with no information regarding the SRH among street children were removed. Finally, 41 studies were included in this systematic review. Data Extraction: Data were extracted from the articles according to the selection criteria by two independent reviewers. Results: Results of this study were categorized into 2 tables. Table 1 presents the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of SRH in street children were shown. Table 2 presents the preventive strategies regarding unwanted pregnancy, unsafe abortion, and STDs in the street children in four categories of 1) expansion program and promotion of educational services, 2) expansion program and promotion of educational services, 3) creating secure umbrella and social welfare, and 4) expansion program and promotion of social protection. Conclusions: Because of no information on street children regarding SRH, the government should consider adequate sexual education programs such as protected sexual intercourse and counseling on preventing STDs and unsafe abortion. It is essential to allocate affordable and accessible healthcare centers and facilities to provide services with no judgment on these children.