Role of Limited Parental Attachment in Psychological Distress Among Adolescent Street Children at Kigali Transit Center, Rwanda

Background: This study examines the impact of limited parental attachment on psychological distress among adolescent street children residing at the Kigali Transit Center in Rwanda. These youths face serious mental health challenges due to broken family ties, social isolation, and the hardships of street life. The study aimed to assess levels of parental attachment, determine the prevalence of psychological distress, and examine the association between these variables, while also considering other influencing factors such as substance use, peer relationships, and socio-economic status. Methods: A cross-sectional, mixed-methods approach was utilized. The Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) were used for measurement. Data were collected from 126 adolescent participants aged 12 to 18 years using structured questionnaires in Kinyarwanda and English, along with 15 qualitative in-depth interviews. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22 and included descriptive statistics, logistic regression, chi-square tests, and thematic analysis. Results: Findings revealed that 80.2% of the participants reported minimal or no parental attachment, and 63.4% showed high levels of psychological distress. A statistically significant relationship (p < .01) was found between low parental bonding and increased psychological distress. Financial instability affected 77% of participants and showed a near-significant relationship with distress (p = 0.057). Substance use was not significantly associated with distress (p = 0.638), whereas the reasons for becoming street children were strongly correlated with psychological distress (p = 0.001). Perceptions of family support did not significantly impact distress levels (p = 0.768). Conclusion: Limited parental attachment significantly contributes to psychological distress among adolescent street children. The study recommends family-centered interventions to enhance parental involvement and economic empowerment. Additionally, the establishment of safe shelters offering counseling, vocational training, and reintegration programs is essential to improving the mental health and future outcomes of these vulnerable youths. Key terms: Parental attachment, Psychological Distress, Street Children, Transit Center, Rwanda.