Social Determinants of Health-Seeking Behaviour among Street Children in Yenagoa City, Bayelsa State

Abstract

One of the goals of the National Health System is to provide access to health services for vulnerable groups such as street children, as they have a higher probability of experiencing health-related problems. Whereas studies on street children vary, very few studies address social factors associated with the health-seeking behaviour of street children. This study, therefore, examined the social determinants and implications of health-seeking behaviour among street children in Yenagoa Bayelsa State. The Health Belief Model and Andersen Healthcare Utilisation Model were the framework, while a mixed research design was employed. Yenagoa City was purposely selected for the study because it is the state capital, hence it is home to a great number of street children. 384 respondents were selected using Abrahamson and Gahlinger’s sample size determination formula. Accidental sampling technique was used to administer a structured questionnaire to respondents. Five Key Informant Interviews were conducted with staff from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Synergy-Care Development Initiative (SDI). Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and correlation at p≤0.05, while the qualitative data were content-analysed. The average age of the respondents was 14 years. Findings revealed that headaches, malaria, fever/common colds, cough/chest pain, chicken pox, head worms/lice, and STDs are the main diseases commonly associated with street children. Most street children preferred traditional medicine and self-medication as their treatment pathways. The study concluded that age, area of residence, relationship status, father’s current occupation and level of education all significantly influenced street children's health-seeking behaviours. Tailored intervention programs and financial support were some of the recommendations made.