Disease Perceptions, Risks, and Responses: Using the Health Belief Model to Understand Street Children and Youths Health-Seeking Behaviour in Cameroon

Background Improving access to quality healthcare for underserved and resource-limited populations (like street children and youths- SCaYs) remains a critical development challenge. In Cameroon, street children represent a vulnerable and marginalized population, facing numerous health risks exacerbated by poverty, precarious living conditions, and social exclusion. Despite growing recognition of their health challenges, these SCaYs remain underrepresented in health service planning and interventions. This study applies the Health Belief Model (HBM) to explore disease perceptions, risk factors, and health-seeking behaviours among SCaYs in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Methods A mixed-methods study was carried out with 147 male SCaYs. Data was collected using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to determine perceived diseases, health behaviours, barriers and facilitators to healthcare access. Participants were also screened for malaria, helminths, HIV and Hepatitis B. Quantitative data were analysed using Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS Statistics, version 24. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted to explore factors associated with hospital health-seeking behaviour among respondents. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize sociodemographic characteristics, street-living conditions, risk behaviors, and laboratory test results. Univariate logistic regression models were then applied to assess the individual association of each variable with hospital attendance. Odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and p-values were reported. Results The majority of participants (96%) were Cameroonian, aged primarily between 10–25 years. Poverty-driven unstable informal employment and open-air living conditions heightened their exposure to health risks. Malaria (54.7%), stomach aches (53.3%), and skin infections (40.9%) were the most commonly perceived illnesses. Despite 98% reporting illness in the prior three months, only 5.9% sought formal healthcare due to substantial financial constraints and stigma. Self-medication via street vendors was the predominant coping strategy (86.1%), driven by affordability and accessibility. Participants demonstrated awareness of susceptibility and severity of some illnesses (HBM constructs), but perceived barriers and social stigma limited healthcare engagement. Conclusion The study highlights a complex interaction of individual perceptions and systemic barriers influencing SCaYs health-seeking behaviours in Cameroon. Interventions should prioritize reducing financial obstacles, addressing stigma within health facilities, and improving living conditions to enable accessible, respectful, and effective healthcare for this marginalized group. The Health Belief Model provides a useful framework for understanding and addressing these multifactorial challenges.