Self reported experience of physical abuse in schools in Nigeria

INTRODUCTION: Physical abuse of children in schools is common in Nigeria, but its prevalence and forms are yet to be clearly studied. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and pattern of physical abuse of children in Secondary Schools in Ilorin Nigeria METHODS: Cross sectional survey of secondary school students aged 11-18 years in Ilorin Nigeria using multistage random sampling technique with proportional allocation was done. Respondents completed the ICAST-CI questionnaire which covers child abuse in educational institutions. Prevalence and pattern of child abuse was computed. RESULTS: Table 1: Pattern of physical abuse in School in the last 12 months [Table: see text] CONCLUSIONS: Physical abuse of children is extremly commonplace in public secondary schools in Nigeria. it is neccessary to explore other ways of dealing with children in educational institutions. DISCLOSURE: No significant relationships.