Burning “Centre Bolt”: Experiences of sexually transmitted infections and health care seeking behaviour described by street boys in Urban Kenya

Abstract

This paper is about how street boys described their experiences of sexually transmitted infections and the care they sought in Nakuru, Kenya. The data were collected over a six-month period at a Soup Kitchen frequented by street children aged 5 to 18 years. Data were generated using participant observation of 115 children; group discussions with 12 boys; interviews with 20 boys; 17 key informant interviews; two home visits; and clinical records of five boys that had sexually transmitted infections. The findings revealed who the boys' sexual partners were, their sexual practices, and their pattern of condom use, their experience of sexually transmitted infections, how they communicate symptoms and when and how they seek care. Lack of money for treatment delayed care seeking. The study also indicated the existence of strong bonds and support networks as a survival strategy on the streets. In conclusion, understanding the ways the street boys experience, reason and communicate their symptoms as well as their support networks is useful in the prevention of sexually transmitted infections and the promotion of their general health and wellbeing. Moreover, eliminating the barrier to health care is imperative for the sustainable provision of care to this vulnerable group of children.