The effect of family influence on indicators associated with street life among Filipino street children

This study investigates selected physical and psychological effects of familial contact among Filipino street children. A validated cross-sectional survey was administered to 424 Filipino street children aged 8-17 years. Participants were enrolled through four non-profit organizations located in Manila, Philippines, and stratified according to familial contact. Prevalence rate ratios were computed, adjusted for age and sex. Street children who did not live at home were 1.83 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.96-3.49] times more likely to be involved in prostitution; 1.74 (1.52-2.00) times more likely to use tobacco, alcohol or inhalants; 2.42 (1.67-3.52) more likely to use marijuana, methamphetamines or ecstasy; 1.69 (1.24-2.30) times more likely to often feel a lack of companionship; 2.36 (1.64-3.38) times more likely to often feel left out; 3.66 (2.30-5.81) times more likely to often feel isolated; 1.52 (1.09-2.10) times more likely to often perceive their future as dark; 1.85 (1.31-2.61) times more likely to not be currently happy; and 1.93 (1.32-2.84) times more likely to have seriously considered committing suicide in the past year. Thus, street children who live at home had significantly lower prevalence of prostitution, licit and illicit drug use, loneliness, pessimism about their future and suicidal ideation.