Prevalence of child sexual abuse among Secondary School Adolescents in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Background: Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) is becoming a social and public health concern especially because of its short-and long term effects which include transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), somatic and visceral injuries, unwanted pregnancy, increasing adolescents' tendencies to highrisk behavior such as multiple sexual partners, prostitution, delinquency in later life, substance abuse and psychological problems like feeling of vulnerability, fear, shame, guilt, poor self-esteem, poor academic performance and depression.This study evaluated the prevalence of child sexual abuse (CSA) and socio-demographic risk factors among adolescents in Secondary Schools in Makurdi LGA, Benue State, Nigeria.Methodology: Using multi-staged sampling technique, 160 adolescents from 3 schools aged 10-19 years were studied in a cross-sectional, school-based survey from November 2021 to January 2022, to determine the prevalence of child sexual abuse among adolescents in Makurdi.Ethical clearance was obtained from Benue State Ministry of Health Research Committee.Confidentiality and anonymity were ensured.Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire completed by students.Descriptive statistics was used for data analysis.Test for association between subgroups was carried out using Chi-square test, while the difference between means was determined using the students t-test. Results:The subjects comprised 73 males (45.6%) and 87 females (54.4%).35 out of the 160 subjects had experienced CSA giving an overall prevalence of 21.9%.The proportion of females and males that were sexually abused were 17.2% and 27.4% respectively, although the gender difference was not statistically significant (p= 0.130).The highest prevalence of CSA (33.3 %) occurred within the age range of 17-19 years.The age at the time of CSA ranged from 6 -16 years and above.The prevalence increased among those living with uncles, aunties or grand-parents and was least among those living with both father and mother. Conclusion:The prevalence of child sexual abuse among adolescents in secondary school in Makurdi LGA is high.Thus, it is recommended that more attention should be given to educating adolescents, parents, teachers and the general public on the prevention of CSA which can reduce its occurrence