Do Migrant Street Children Use Reproductive Health Services in Uganda?

Francis Mulekya Bwambale, MAASTRICHT UNIVERSITY, CAPHRI / IOM/ MAKERERE UNIVERSITY
John A Mushomi, African Institute for Development Policy
Paul Bukuluki, Makerere University
Hubertus Van den Borne, MAASTRICHT UNIVERSITY, CAPHRI

While impact of migration on health is well acknowledged, few studies have interrogated the relationship between rural-urban migration and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. This paper investigates the relationship between uptake of reproductive health services and migration status of street children in Uganda. We conducted a survey among 513 street children in three divisions of Kampala City. Our findings reveal that migrant street children had reduced odds of using SRH services compared to their counterparts. Other factors that predicted SRH uptake include age, schooling status and knowledge of place of service delivery point. Implications for our study results point to the need for urban health studies to go beyond blanket uptake for SRH services and understand practices among vulnerable children including migrant street children. SRH service provider should design effective health outreach and delivery models to reach most at risk and hidden vulnerable populations in urban settings.