Volatile Substance Misuse Among Street Children in Upper Egypt

This work assessed the extent, patterns, attitudes, motivations, and impacts of volatile substance misuse (VSM) among street children in Upper Egypt. In 2009, a 36-item questionnaire was administered to a randomly selected sample of 120 street children aged 10--18 years. Nearly 91%% (n == 109) reported misusing products containing volatile substances because they are inexpensive, legal, and easy to acquire. Familial neglect and lack of supervision were the main social motivations reported by street youth for misusing volatile substances. One-third (34.2%%, n == 41) reported inhaling Kolla, a commercial glue; this study identifies its physicochemical, neuropharmacological, and toxicological properties. The study's limitations are noted.