ASSOCIATED FACTORS AND PSYCHOSOCIAL CONSEQUENCES OF CHILD TRAFFICKING, THE CASE OF METTEMA WOREDA, NORTH GONDAR ZONE

Abstract

Children and young women, 8 to 24 years of age appear to be more vulnerable to internal trafficking. More than one-fourth of trafficked children were often below the age of 18 and traffickers mostly target those who are less powerful and more vulnerable people. Children under 18 also belong to this group since they are more susceptible to be misguided and misinformed about the promises of better opportunities in destination places. The main objective of this study is to assess the major causes of child trafficking and its psychosocial impacts on trafficked children, the case of Mettema Town, North Gondar Zone. The study used cross sectional survey design. The study was based on both primary and secondary data sources. Questionnaire was distributed to 87 trafficked and reunified children who were selected using cluster sampilng techniques. The data was analyzed using descriptive (mean, frequency and percentage) and inferential analysis (independent sample t-test, one sample t-test and multiple binary regression) to describe, compare differences and test associations and impacts of variables in the study. The overall results of the study indicated that Family structure and educational background of children’s parents and existence of higher level of physical abuse were major factors that determine trafficking in the study area. The existing levels of depression and hopelessness does not differ significantly across boys and girls, while statistically significant mean difference was observed in the existence of social relation problems between trafficked boys and girls particularly after reunification. In addition, family structure also has a significant influence on children level of depression and social relation also differed significantly based on family structure. Moreover, the logistic regression result shows that age, duration of trafficking, family structure, fathers’ educational level and the level of emotional abuse significantly affect the existence of psychosocial problems (depression, hopelessness and difficulty of relationship) in the study area. The study thus recommends, government and non-governmental bodies should develop programs that offer livelihood options, including basic education, skills training and literacy, especially for women and girls.