A survey of healthcare-seeking practices and related stigma among community- and street-based children in Cambodia.

Globally, street children comprise a growing population of vulnerable children. Understanding how they interact with healthcare systems is fundamental to efforts to improve their health and well-being.We surveyed 75 street- and community-based children in Battambang, Cambodia regarding their healthcare-seeking practices and related stigma.For demographically similar street and community children, hospitals and pharmacies were preferred healthcare institutions, with this choice being motivated by the caretaker's decision or cost. Street children reported increased fear of being refused treatment.Street children and demographically similar community children have similar healthcare-seeking practices and preferences, although street children face increased stigmatization.

Duke Scholars

Author Kathryn Whetten Sanford School of Public Policy

Author Lavanya Vasudevan Duke Global Health Institute