Mental Health Problems in Residential Care for Street Children

Abstract

Background: Previous research has established high mental health problems in residential care for children. However, in Zambia little is known about the mental health of this peculiar group of young people. The study prescribed in this paper therefore, aimed to explore the mental health problems of street children in residential care and examine the relationship between multiple mental health problems (co-morbidity) and levels of stress.
Methodology: The study utilized a sample of 74 street children (6 girls and 68 boys) in residential care aged 7-17 years. To collect data on children's mental health problems the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was administered to agency carers and adolescents (if older than 11).
Results: Nearly three quarters of street children in residential care were rated as having a mental health problem, as indicated by findings from both the self rated SDQ and the Carers' SDQ i.e. 48 children (76.1%) and 54 children (73.0%) respectively. Out of this population approximately one third were assessed as having multiple mental health problems i.e. 22 children (34.9%) and 33(44.6%) respectively. The study also found a significant relationship between multiple mental health problems (co-morbidity) and levels of stress.
Conclusion: Street children in residential care are a high risk population to mental health problems. In addition, children with multiple mental health problems are much more likely to have high levels of stress.

Keywords: street children, residential care, mental health problems, stress