ASSESSMENT ON MALE STREET CHILDREN AND YOUTH VULNERABILITY TO HIV/AIDS IN ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

The study on male street children and youth vulnerability to HIV/AIDS in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was conducted with the overall objective of assessing relationships between street life and vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. The research applied both quantitative and qualitative methods through collection and analysis of data from primary and secondary sources. Specifically, the research applied descriptive sample survey on 200 randomly selected male street children and youth aged 15-24 years. The finding of the study revealed that the study groups lack comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS and appropriate changes in behavior. They experience significantly high level of vulnerability to HIV, with the self-reported prevalence of 9.7%. The major risk factors are unprotected and multiple concurrent sexual partnership, alcohol and substance abuse, infections with STIs, homosexuality and sexual abuse. The existing HIV/AIDS interventions for street children are inadequate both in scope and effectiveness. The study concludes that as the street boys continued living on the street, their likelihoods of exposure to HIV risk factors significantly increases, with steady declines in protective behaviors. The longer the duration of life on the street, the more street boys become desperate about their futures and the lesser they take protective measures against HIV/AIDS. The overall successes being registered in the HIV response has little or no implications on street children and youth. As a recommendation, it is not only necessary but also a top priority to halt the growing risk of young street people to HIV/AIDS in Addis Ababa. Interventions should focus on changes in behavior and practice, both prevention and treatment services and management of risk factors. Street children rehabilitation programs needs to be comprehensive, addressing their diverse needs and problems in a holistic manner. Any interventions against HIV/AIDS in street children should start with proper understanding of their situations. Addressing the big issue of street children phenomena is the long-term and sustainable solution to the problem. Additional studies of different nature on the subject matter are still required for evidence based interventions at policy and practice levels.