Self reported experience of sexual abuse among children in their homes in Ilorin Nigeria

INTRODUCTION: The sexual abuse of children is well documented in literature. Data on it from Nigeria is rather sparse. The current study examines the prevalence and pattern of sexual abuse with a view to increasing our understanding of it. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and pattern of sexual abuse of children at home in Ilorin Nigeria. METHODS: A 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-CH questionnaire which covers child abuse in its several forms including sexual abuse. Prevalence of sexual abuse was computed. RESULTS: Over a third (586) of participants experienced some form of sexual abuse in the last year. Table 1: prevalence and pattern of sexual abuse at home [Table: see text] CONCLUSIONS: Sexual abuse of children occurs commonly in Ilorin Nigeria. There is a need for further research towards understnding it determinants towards strengthening systems of safeguarding children against it. DISCLOSURE: No significant relationships.