The aim of this study was to investigate living conditions of female street adolescents, who are involved with illicit and licit drugs, and with prostitution, in the city of Santo André, as well as to tailor strategies for STD/AIDS prevention. We have interviewed seven adolescents, aged from 14 to 19 years old, using a semi-structured questionnaire with questions about education, family disaffection, violence, living on the streets, history of drug use, sexuality, level of information about STD/AIDS, and hopes for the future. We observed that among the reasons for these adolescents to live on the streets were domestic violence, low socioeconomic level, and drug abuse. They stated that they are aware of STD/AIDS preventive measures, but they do not bring them into effect with steady partners and boyfriends. The analysis of our results confirms the importance of creating well-defined strategies to STD/AIDS prevention, additionally to suitable educational system and psychosocial attention service. This will assure adolescents' rights and emancipation.
adolescence; domestic violence; drug abuse; prostitution; AIDS
