Health-Seeking Behaviour and Self-Medication among Street Children in Dodoma City, Tanzania

This study investigated street children’s access to health services, health-seeking behavior, and self-medication practices in Dodoma City, Tanzania. Employing a qualitative phenomenological approach, data were collected through three focus group discussions with street children and ten in-depth interviews with key informants, including social workers, healthcare providers, and outreach officers. The study aimed to understand the lived experiences of street children in seeking healthcare and managing their illness independently. The qualitative data were coded and organized into themes using thematic analysis, focusing on four main areas: barriers to health access, patterns of self-medication, cultural beliefs in self-reliance, and the consequences of self-medication. The findings revealed that limited availability of escorting guardians, inadequate targeted health campaigns, and fear of stigma or authorities hindered street children’s formal healthcare access. Many children relied on self-medication, including leftover medicines and traditional herbs from unregulated vendors, influenced by cultural norms that promote self-reliance. This practice exposed children to significant risks, including drug misuse and chronic illnesses. The study highlights the need for interventions that combine health education and accessible services. Peer-led health education is the future for addressing misinformation, reducing reliance on self-medication, and promoting safer health practices. Additionally, reintegrating outreach services into the formal health system can bring care closer to street children, reduce barriers to access, and strengthen their engagement with professional healthcare. These strategies can inform policy development and program planning to ensure equitable, safe, and sustainable health services for street children in urban settings.