Prevalence, Risk factors and Health Impacts of Substance Abuse Among Street Children in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Date
2026-06-16
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Introduction: Street youth are generally categorized into children on the street (who work but return home), children of the street (who live on the street without family contact), Psychosocial stress, chronic hunger, and violence of the street environment frequently drive street-involved children to use accessible substances like volatile inhalants (glue/benzene) and khat as survival coping mechanisms. Where toxic chemical exposure and addiction directly trigger acute gastrointestinal and respiratory pathology, cognitive deficits, and aggressive social behaviors.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and health impacts of substance abuse among street children in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 626 street children across selected sub-cities from February 15 to March 5, 2026. A multistage sampling technique followed by consecutive sampling was employed. Data were collected via interviewer-administered questionnaires by trained nurses, entered into Epi Info 7.2, and analyzed using SPSS 27. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with substance abuse (p < 0.05, 95% CI).
Results: The overall prevalence of substance abuse was 62.6%. The most commonly abused substances were inhalants (80.6%), khat (67.1%), alcohol (44.4%), and cigarettes (44.1%).the strongest independent predictors significantly associated with substance abuse were using substances to cope with emotional problems AOR = 3.012 (1.702, 5.330), finding it difficult to refuse substances when offered AOR = 2.835 (1.396, 5.757), engaging in risk-taking or dangerous activities AOR = 2.367 (1.169, 4.795), and believing that substances help them survive street life AOR = 2.127 (1.053, 4.293)The most prevalent physical health impacts were stomach pain (51.0%), while difficulty concentrating (39.5%) was the leading psychological impact. Socially, physical altercations (29.7%) and engagement in illegal activities (22.7%) were highly reported.
Conclusion and recommendation: Substance abuse is a severe public health crisis in Addis Ababa, affecting nearly two-thirds (62.6%) of street children. The strong association with past trauma and easy substance access underscores the urgent need for multi-sectoral interventions focusing on trauma-informed rehabilitation, psychological support, and stricter regulation of volatile inhalants.
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Keywords
: Adolescent Street Children, Substance Abuse, Risk Factors, Health Impact, Addis Ababa.