Sexual and Reproductive Health Problems and Needs of Street Youths in East Gojjam Zone Administrative Towns, Ethiopia: Exploratory Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND: About 600,000 children are estimated to depend on street life in Ethiopia. Estimates conclude that about 65% of street children hardly have any access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. However, sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS among street children have been reported as being very high and some studies showed that it can be higher than that of female sex workers, truck drivers and prisoners. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to explore the sexual and reproductive health problems of street youths and their need in East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia, 2019. METHODS: An explanatory qualitative study design was conducted on street youths residing in East Gojjam Zone town administrations from February to March, 2019. Purposively selected street youths and positioned individuals who were residing in East Gojjam Zone town administrates were included in the study. The data were collected through focus group discussion and in-depth interview and analyzed thematically. RESULT: A total of 85 street youths and 8 individuals who were working with street children participated in this study. Most street youths had no clear information towards sexual and reproductive health. The existing reproductive health problems were sexual violence, sexually transmitted infection, unplanned pregnancy, abortion and substance abuse. Most street youths were interested in getting sexual and reproductive health information and other services by concerned bodies similar to the general population. Accessibility of job opportunities was also one of their needs to prevent the existing sexual and reproductive health problems. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Most street youths were sexually active and attempted unsafe sexual practice which exposed them to sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancies and abortions. So a special reproductive health service is needed to avert these problems.