This dissertation aims to broaden the understanding of vulnerability in Rwanda by describing, and giving best estimates of sexual risk behaviors and maltreatment among youth heads of household (YHH). YHH vulnerability is examined using both quantitative and qualitative data and multiple datasets. Results pertaining to YHH's sexual risk behavior and experienced abuses are presented. Chapter Three investigates sexual behaviors among YHH and utilizes data from a sample of 692 YHH aged 10--24. The analysis found thirty-seven percent of males and 28.3% of females had a history of penetrative sexual intercourse with 41 percent indicating sexual onset before age 15. Males were more likely to start earlier than females (50.4% versus 26.7%) but females reported more sexual onset with an older partner. Chapter Four documents maltreatment experienced by YHH in the context of high poverty and disrupted community due to war. Thematic analyses of focus group data provide in-depth understanding of major factors potentially related to abuse. A youth survey of 692 YHH indicated that nearly 72 percent of YHH were victims of maltreatment with significantly higher scores among YHH age 18 and above. One out of four YHH reported to have been beaten since being on his/her own, 36.4% of YHH complained of land or property dispossession, and half of YHH reported their properties were damaged. In addition, sexual abuse was reported by 4.5% of YHH and half of the perpetrators were known community members. Chapter Five investigates whether the provision of an adult mentor to youth heads of household through a home visiting program can reduce abuse and improve sexual risk behavior. The findings suggest that mentoring relationship should be supported as a key strategy that may contribute to youth development including the prevention of risk-taking behavior and their consequences, and the protection against maltreatment from community members. Overall, this dissertation draws attention to the high level of vulnerability among YHH and underscores the need for appropriate and comprehensive interventions
