Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude about POCSO Act among Medical Interns: A Questionnaire based Study

Abstract

Background: The issue of child sexual abuse is a worldwide problem that exists among both developed as well as developing countries. The most vulnerable groups in society for sexual abuse are these children. The number of incidents involving child sexual assault is rising alarmingly. Material and Methods: It is across sectional questionnaire based study from February 2023 to July 2023 comprising of 100 medical interns (50 males and 50 females) conducted at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, A.M.U, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. Results: In this cross sectional study, 100 medical interns comprising of 50 males and 50 females participated. The questionnaire consisted of 10 multiple choice questions about the POCSO Act.76% of medical interns knew what the acronym POCSO Act means. The age of child under POCSO Act was known to 82% participants. 71% participants were aware that POCSO Act is gender neutral. Conclusion: Although teaching young children about appropriate and inappropriate touching starts in the primary grades, CSA can be reduced by increasing knowledge and awareness in the local community. The cases of child abuse in India require a holistic approach from every member of society.