Quality of social support system and drug use among street children in Starehe Sub-County, Nairobi County Kenya

Abstract

The issue of drug use among street children is a global concern that demands serious attention due to its profound social and health implications, negatively impacting the intellectual, social, and physical development of the individuals involved. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the quality of the social support system and drug use among street children in Starehe Sub-County, Nairobi County, Kenya, utilizing a correlational research design. Data were gathered from 100 street children through cluster and simple random sampling methods, selected from a target population of 30,000 in Starehe Sub-County. Additionally, information was collected from purposively sampled officials, including four from the Starehe Children's Office, eight from NGOs/FBOs operating in the sub-county, one sub-county administrator, and four ward administrators. Quantitative data collected via questionnaires underwent analysis using descriptive statistics such as means, percentages, and frequencies. The findings indicated that a lack of social connectedness in the streets contributed to substance use among street children. Strengthening existing social support systems was identified as a means for providing street children with the necessary support to steer them away from drug use. The study recommends the promotion of social support systems in Starehe Sub-County and emphasizes the importance of providing homes for street children to reduce exposure to stressful conditions that may lead to mental health problems.