| dc.description.abstract | Streetism is the phenomenon of children living and working on the streets, often without
proper adult care or supervision. This study investigated the effect of streetism on
psychosocial health among street children in Meru County, a case of North Imenti SubCounty. The study was guided by four objectives, as follows: to find out the effect of
streetism on psychological health, social well-being, psychosomatic symptoms, and moral
wellness among children living on the streets of North-Imenti sub-county, Meru County. The
study was informed by Bowlby’s attachment theory and Erickson’s theory of psycho-social
development. A descriptive study design was used, taking a mixed-methods approach that
combined quantitative and qualitative techniques. The target population was approximately
1,293, as per the 2019 national census for street children. A non-probability sampling system,
specifically a snowball sampling technique, was used in this study. With a population of
about 250 street children in the sub-county, the sample size was 152 for a confidence level of
95% and a margin of error of 5% with p = 0.5. The data collection tools included
questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. In order to determine reliability, a
test-retest was used. This study conducted a pilot test on 10 street children who were selected
from the wards in North Imenti Sub-County. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics in
terms of frequencies, percentages, and means with the help of the Statistical Package for
Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The result suggests that there are significant associations
between the independent and dependent variables being studied. These statistical findings
contribute to a deeper understanding of the interplay between streetism and the psycho-social
health of street children, providing a basis for further exploration and targeted interventions.
Thematic analysis reinforced the need for initiatives that tackled issues such as stigmatization,
emotional instability, and the absence of positive role models. The interplay between
streetism and psychosocial health was complex and necessitated a holistic approach to
intervention. The study recommended that mental health programs specifically tailored for
street children be established and implemented, providing counseling, therapy, and support
groups to address their psychological challenges. It also recommended the development of
resilience-focused interventions that empower street children to overcome adversities,
enhance functional competence, and modify social systems to promote their overall wellbeing. Several avenues of exploration, like longitudinal research, would offer insights into the
long-term trajectories of psycho-social development, while comparative analysis with other
regions within Meru County could reveal contextual variations. | en_US |
