The ramification of street connectedness: Well-being and resilience among street-connected children of South-Western Ethiopia

Abstract

Despite the overwhelming nature of street life, urban streets have become common residence sites for street-connected children. As these children had such a common sight, little is known about their well-being and resilience. This study applies a mixed-methods research design, an explanatory concurrent method to examine their state of survival, wellbeing, and resilience. A total of 155 street-connected children were selected using simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques. Adapted survey scales, an interview guide, focus group discussion, and transit observation were used to collect data. Multiple regression and independent-sample t-tests were used to analyze quantitative data whereas thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. The results indicated that street-connected children had weak psychosocial well-being and affected resilience that was accounted for anxiety. Moreover, street-connected boys showed better well-being and resilience than their counterpart street-connected girls. Conclusively, street-connected children in southwestern Ethiopia had lessened psychological well-being and slow-growing resilience. Moreover, physical abuse, exploitation, mistreatment, and other basic human rights deprivations were noticed as factors lead to substance abuse that had negative impact on mental well-being.