Submission ID 130878
| Issue/Objective | Despite substantial advancements in HIV testing technology, antiretroviral therapy, and treatment-as-prevention interventions, a considerable number of people continue to acquire HIV each year. Street-connected youths experience a disproportionately higher risk of HIV infection than their home-based peers, often comparable to recognized key and priority populations. However, they face significant social, structural, and policy-level barriers to accessing HIV prevention services. This study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators of accessing HIV prevention services among street-connected youth in the Amhara Region, Ethiopia. |
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| Methodology/Approach | A qualitative descriptive design was employed from October to December 2025 in selected regiopolitan cities of the Amhara region. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants, considering street youth aged 15-24 years who have lived for more than 3 months and can communicate their experiences, as well as the profession, position, and years of experience in service for stakeholders. Sample size was determined based on information power. Data were collected through in-depth (22) and key informant (13) interviews and analyzed using the directed content analysis method. |
| Results | Barriers for accessing HIV prevention services were identified at the multilevel. At the individual level, barriers included poor attitude, lack of basic needs, and high-risk behaviors. Institutional-level barriers involved a lack of outreach, HIV testing, and a shortage of implementing partners. Societal-level barriers included stigma and poor community support, while policy-level barriers were a lack of political priority and restrictive policies. Key facilitators included individual motivation to change risky behavior, peer support at the interpersonal level, institutional willingness to provide support, availability of community care coalitions at the societal level, and enabling national social protection and health policies for other population groups. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | Barriers to accessing HIV prevention services at the individual, institutional, social, and public policy levels limit service utilization, while the presence of enabling factors at each level suggests opportunities to improve access to HIV prevention services. Strengthening inclusive policies, expanding outreach services, and leveraging community and peer support mechanisms can enhance service uptake. Recognizing street-connected youth within the social protection and health policies has the potential to overcome barriers and enable more sustainable and long-term impact. |
| Presenters and Affiliations | Amare Workie Gashu University of Gondar Abebaw Gebeyehu Worku University of Gondar Achenef Asmamaw Muche University of Gondar Eshetu Haileselassie Engeda University of Gondar Tadesse Awoke Ayele University of Gondar |
