Psychosocial Distress among Adolescent Street Children in Tigray, Ethiopia: A Community-Based, Mixed-Method Study

Abstract

Background: Street adolescent are the most marginalized group of population with a high risk of mental health and prolong exposure to psychosocial distress results in developing a compromised quality of life, healthy socialization, and overall development. Despite this fact, little attention is given to the psychosocial wellbeing of street children in Africa practically in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the psychosocial distress among street adolescents in Tigray, Ethiopia. Research Methodology: Community-based mixed cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 participants, and 4 focused group discussants. Study participants were selected conveniently in the quantitative part and purposively in the qualitative part. A pre-tested, semi-structured, interviewer-administered, and focused group discussion guide questionnaire was used to collect the data. Result: About 223 (55.1%) street adolescents were psychosocially distressed. Bing in the age range of 16-18 years old [(AOR=3.9, 95% CI: (1.6, 9.11)], meal availability once per day [(AOR=4.46, 95% CI: (1.83, 10.85)], being sexually abused [(AOR=2.36, 95% CI: (1.1, 4.95)], meal availability twice per day [(AOR=4.24, 95% CI: (1.91, 9.44)], being physically abused [AOR= 2.43, 95% CI: (1.05, 5.63)], and low income status (parents) [(AOR=2.6, 95% CI: (1.59, 4.24)] were significantly associated factors. Conclusion: More than half of the participants have psychosocially distressed. Establishing and implementing local mental health policies and programs for street children through collaborative efforts with the government and nongovernment sectors to bring them into the mainstream of the society. Family reintegration and strengthen the legal systems to minimize violence are also important measures to decrease the problem.