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The epidemiology of substance use among street children in resource‐constrained settings: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Author(s) -
Embleton Lonnie,
Mwangi Ann,
Vreeman Rachel,
Ayuku David,
Braitstein Paula
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
addiction
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.424
H-Index - 193
eISSN - 1360-0443
pISSN - 0965-2140
DOI - 10.1111/add.12252
Subject(s) - meta analysis , medicine , epidemiology , substance abuse , substance use , confidence interval , environmental health , systematic review , demography , psychiatry , medline , political science , law , sociology
Aims To compile and analyze critically the literature published on street children and substance use in resource‐constrained settings. Methods We searched the literature systematically and used meta‐analytical procedures to synthesize literature that met the review's inclusion criteria. Pooled‐prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using the random‐effects model for life‐time substance use by geographical region as well as by type of substance used. Results Fifty studies from 22 countries were included into the review. Meta‐analysis of combined life‐time substance use from 27 studies yielded an overall drug use pooled‐prevalence estimate of 60% (95% CI = 51–69%). Studies from 14 countries contributed to an overall pooled prevalence for street children's reported inhalant use of 47% (95% CI = 36–58%). This review reveals significant gaps in the literature, including a dearth of data on physical and mental health outcomes, HIV and mortality in association with street children's substance use. Conclusions Street children from resource‐constrained settings reported high life‐time substance use. Inhalants are the predominant substances used, followed by tobacco, alcohol and marijuana.