Research Article
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Substance Use Among Street Children in Hawassa City, Sidama Regional State, Southern Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, June 2025
Pages:
32-42
Received:
16 May 2025
Accepted:
7 June 2025
Published:
30 June 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ejcbs.20251103.13
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Abstract: Introduction: Worldwide, the prevalence of substance use is becoming an alarming problem, and it not only harms individuals but also negatively affects families and society. Street children are vulnerable to a variety of problems because they are a socially isolated group, and they are mainly involved in transactional sex and harmful drug use for survival. Continuous exposure to the street and its associated lifestyles makes street children vulnerable to the use of different harmful substances and has devastating consequences for them. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with substance use among street children in Hawassa City, southern Ethiopia. Methods and materials: A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed among 328 street children in Hawassa City, Sidama National Regional State, Southern Ethiopia, from May 1–30, 2024. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data had been entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 25 software for analysis. Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were computed to identify associated factors. Candidate variables with p-values< 0.25 in bi-variable regression were selected for multiple logistic regression analysis. The degree of association was assessed using an odds ratio, and statistical significance was declared at a 95% confidence level and p-value of less than 0.05. Result: From a total of 328 street children who participated in this study, 134 (40.9%) with 95% CI [35.5–46.4] were substance users currently. Alcohol 129 (39.3%) was the most common substance used, and peer pressure 38 (26%) was the main reason for engagement in substance use. Crime participation history [AOR: 4.04, 95% CI: 2.08-7.83], having any family member use substances [AOR: 3.354; 95% CI: 1.98-5.69], negative attitude toward the community [AOR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.01-3.19], and living on the street as beggars [AOR: 2.17; 95% CI: 1.18-3.97] were significantly associated factors with current street children's substance use. Conclusions: The prevalence of substance use among street children is high as compared to the other studies in Ethiopia, as well as other African and Asian countries.
Abstract: Introduction: Worldwide, the prevalence of substance use is becoming an alarming problem, and it not only harms individuals but also negatively affects families and society. Street children are vulnerable to a variety of problems because they are a socially isolated group, and they are mainly involved in transactional sex and harmful drug use for s...
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Dereje Danbe
