Knowledge of sexual abuse and preventive measures among adolescent in selected secondary schools.
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Knowledge of sexual abuse and preventive measures among adolescent in selected secondary schools.
Abstract
This study examined adolescents’ knowledge of sexual abuse and prevention methods in selected secondary schools. Four objectives were raised, including: determining the level of knowledge among adolescents regarding sexual abuse, including their understanding of what constitutes sexual abuse, its different forms, and associated risks;
identifying socio-demographic factors influencing adolescents’ knowledge of sexual abuse, such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, and educational background; and evaluating the effectiveness of existing preventive measures implemented within secondary schools.
A total of 77 responses were collected and authenticated from enrolled participants, with all coming from chosen secondary schools in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state. The hypothesis was investigated using the Chi-Square statistical program (SPSS).
Chapter one
Introduction
Background of the study.
Sexual abuse among adolescents is a widespread problem with serious consequences for their physical and psychological health. Adolescents must have adequate understanding of sexual abuse and prevention methods in order to defend themselves and seek help when necessary.
This study investigates the present state of adolescent knowledge about sexual abuse and the efficacy of prevention strategies in selected secondary schools.
According to research, many adolescents lack full understanding of sexual abuse, including its many forms and related hazards. Smith et al. (2020) discovered that only a small percentage of adolescents assessed had a good comprehension of sexual abuse dynamics and its effects.
Furthermore, Jones and colleagues (2019) identified gaps in teenagers’ understanding of what constitutes sexual assault and how to recognise abusive behaviours.
Several variables lead to inequalities in adolescents’ understanding of sexual abuse. Age, gender, and socioeconomic position all play important roles (Brown et al., 2018).
Adolescents from marginalised groups or with poor educational opportunities may be more exposed to a lack of understanding regarding sexual abuse.
Furthermore, the importance of parents, schools, and the media in educating adolescents against sexual assault cannot be overemphasised. According to Johnson et al. (2017), comprehensive sexual education programs in schools and open communication lines between parents and teenagers are essential.
Effective preventative strategies are critical to reducing the incidence of sexual abuse among adolescents. School-based interventions, such as sexual education programs and seminars on assertiveness and boundary establishing, have shown potential in providing adolescents with the knowledge and skills they need to defend themselves (Garcia et al., 2016).
Furthermore, community-based measures, such as awareness campaigns and access to support services, help to promote a comprehensive approach to prevention (Martinez et al. 2015).
The knowledge gap about sexual assault among teenagers is critical for ensuring their safety and well-being. Educators, legislators, and healthcare experts can collaborate to make secondary school environments safer for teenagers by identifying the factors that influence knowledge levels and implementing evidence-based preventive actions.
Statement of the Problem
Sexual abuse among adolescents in secondary schools is a widespread and serious problem with far-reaching implications. Despite efforts to address the issue, there is still a lack of information about adolescents’ knowledge of sexual abuse and access to preventive measures in the school setting. Thus, this study tries to investigate the following critical issues:
Adolescents’ awareness of sexual abuse in selected secondary schools, including their comprehension of what constitutes sexual abuse, its many forms, and the risks involved.
Factors impacting teenagers’ understanding of sexual abuse include age, gender, social situation, and educational background.
The effectiveness of present preventive strategies in secondary schools in dealing with adolescent sexual abuse.
The role of parents, schools, and the media in educating adolescents about sexual abuse and supporting prevention strategies.
Identifying gaps and making recommendations for enhancing understanding and preventive strategies to better protect adolescents from sexual abuse in secondary school settings.
The objectives of the study
The primary goal of this study is to analyse adolescents’ knowledge of sexual abuse and prevention methods at selected secondary schools. Specifically, the study seeks to:
Determine teenagers’ grasp of what constitutes sexual abuse, its many forms, and associated hazards.
Determine the socio-demographic characteristics impacting teenagers’ knowledge of sexual abuse, such as age, gender, social level, and educational background.
Evaluate the efficacy of existing preventive interventions in secondary schools for tackling teenage sexual abuse.
Examine how parents, schools, and the media may help adolescents learn about sexual abuse and promote prevention measures.
Research Hypotheses
The following research hypotheses are formed.
H1: teenagers have no comprehension of sexual abuse, its various forms, and associated risks.
H2: current preventive measures provided inside secondary schools do not effectively address sexual abuse among teenagers.
Significance of the Study
This study has important implications for many stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, healthcare professionals, parents, and adolescents themselves. The following points emphasise the importance of this research:
This study, which assesses teenagers’ awareness of sexual abuse and preventive measures, might provide significant insights to policymakers and stakeholders involved in establishing and implementing policies and initiatives to address sexual abuse in secondary schools. The study’s evidence-based recommendations can help to build more targeted and successful sexual abuse prevention initiatives for teenagers.
Understanding teenagers’ understanding of sexual abuse and availability to prevention measures might help them recognise and respond to incidents of abuse.
By identifying knowledge gaps and delivering sexual abuse education, teenagers can be better equipped to defend themselves and seek help when necessary, increasing their safety and well-being.
The outcomes of this study can help to improve school-based programs and activities focused at avoiding sexual abuse among teenagers. Insights on the effectiveness of current preventive measures can help educators and school administrators plan and execute evidence-based interventions that are tailored to the requirements of teenagers.
The responsibility of parents in educating adolescents about sexual assault is critical. This study highlights the necessity of parental engagement in discussing difficult matters about sexual assault and encouraging open communication within families. Recommendations from the study can help parents create a supportive and knowledgeable environment for their children.
Finally, the value of this study rests in its potential to help promote adolescent well-being and avoid sexual abuse. The study’s goal is to make secondary school environments safer for teenagers by increasing awareness, knowledge, and access to preventive measures, thereby protecting their physical and psychological health.
Scope of the Study
The study’s scope includes knowledge of sexual abuse and prevention strategies among adolescents in selected secondary schools. The study will be limited to chosen secondary schools in Uyo.
Limitations of the study
Despite its importance and possible contributions, this study has limitations. It is critical to recognise these limitations in order to present a clear picture of the breadth and applicability of the research findings. Here are some of the limitations:
Sample Size and Selection Bias: The size and representativeness of the sample population may influence the study’s results. The selection of secondary schools and participants may not accurately reflect the diversity of adolescents’ experiences and attitudes on sexual abuse and prevention strategies. Furthermore, voluntary engagement may generate bias since persons who choose to participate may differ from those who do not.
Self-reported data: The use of self-reported data to assess adolescents’ knowledge of sexual abuse and preventive actions may introduce biases such as social desirability or recall bias. Adolescents may underreport or over-report their knowledge and experiences due to social norms or memory constraints, resulting in inaccurate conclusions.
The study’s cross-sectional design restricts its capacity to establish causal correlations between variables. While the study can shed light on the links between knowledge of sexual abuse and preventive measures, it cannot determine causality or track changes over time.
Social Desirability Bias: Adolescents may give comments that they believe are socially desirable rather than reflecting their actual knowledge or experiences. This bias can have an impact on the veracity of collected data, especially when dealing with sensitive matters like sexual assault.
Definition of Terms
Sexual Abuse: Sexual abuse is defined as any unwanted sexual activity performed on an individual without their consent. This can encompass a wide range of behaviours, including molestation, rape, sexual assault, harassment, exploitation, and coercion. Sexual abuse can occur in a variety of circumstances, including familial ties, personal partnerships, institutions, and strangers.
Adolescents are those who are between the ages of 10 and 19. This period is marked by profound physical, emotional, cognitive, and social changes as people navigate identity creation, peer relationships, and growing independence.
Knowledge is the awareness or understanding that individuals have about a specific subject or issue. In the context of this study, knowledge of sexual abuse includes an understanding of what constitutes sexual abuse, its many forms, related hazards, and preventative measures.
Preventive measures are methods, interventions, or activities taken to lessen the likelihood of sexual abuse and protect individuals from damage. These measures may include educational programs, awareness campaigns, policy interventions, support services, and community efforts focused at promoting safety, empowerment, and preventing sexual abuse.
Secondary schools, also known as high schools or junior high schools in some areas, are educational institutions that offer formal education to teenagers aged 12 to 18 years old.
Secondary education follows basic education and comes before tertiary or higher education, and it is critical in preparing students for future academic pursuits or employment.
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