Child sexual abuse in Zaria, Northwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract:Background: Child sexual abuse has been reported from all corners of the globe, and all age groups and both sexes are affected. Although the trauma of abuse heals with time, it leaves long term psychological and medical problems. This study was aimed at documenting the pattern of child sexual abuse in Zaria, Northern Nigeria. Methods: Retrospective study of case notes of all patients seen with a history of sexual abuse, from August 2008 to October 2009, at a primary health centre in Northwestern Nigeria. Results: A total of twenty cases were seen out of a total of 33, 313, which gave a prevalence rate of 0.06%. There were three boys and 17 girls, with a male: female ratio of 1: 5.7. The age range was 3-13 years, with a mode of 7years. Majority (19, 95%) were aged 12 years and below. Eleven cases (55%) attended school, while three (15%) were hawkers. Twelve (60%) of the children presented more than 72 hours after the assault. Twelve (60%) cases were abused more than once, and there was evidence of genital trauma in 60% of cases. The assailants were all males, and identified in 70% of the cases. Of those identified, 55% of them had previously been suspected of committing sexual abuse. In 55% of cases the assailants were either household members or neighbours. Only 12 (60%) of incidents were reported to the police. Legal outcome was not known in any of the cases. All the cases defaulted to follow-up. Conclusion: Child sexual abuse is not an uncommon problem in Zaria. There is a need to ensure follow-up after treating immediate medical problems, in order to manage and prevent the long-term psychological problems of sexual abuse. The high default rate to follow-up needs to be further investigated. The legal outcome in all the cases was unknown.

Pattern and medical care of child victims of sexual abuse in Ekiti, south-western Nigeria

“…All the CSA patients seen during the period under review were female and this agrees with other studies from the same region of Nigeria 13,14 but is in contrast with a study from the north of the country. 7 This might suggest that CSA involving boys in the south of Nigeria where this study was conducted is not considered a major public health problem or is not reported or seen as such. Also, since all the patients attended hospital with the complaint of penetrative sexual intercourse, it could be speculated that girls were more likely to be traumatized during sexual intercourse than boys, hence their preponderance.…”

“…Despite the preponderance of reports of female victims of CSA in Nigeria, [13][14][15] sexual assault involving boys is equally important and has been reported in the past. 7,12 The wide cultural and social acceptance of heterosexual behaviour in Nigeria 16,17 coupled with probable diagnostic insensitivity on the part of those caring for children might explain the wide gap in its reportage compared with female cases.…”

“…5,6 In sub-Saharan African countries such as Nigeria, information about CSA is still shrouded in secrecy by victims and their care-givers, probably out of fear of being ostracized by society or of loss of family integrity, or is strictly regarded as taboo. 7 Also, there is sparse literature on CSA in the region. 7 These factors may affect the care of CSA victims in the region.…”

“…7 Also, there is sparse literature on CSA in the region. 7 These factors may affect the care of CSA victims in the region.…”

“…[4][5][6][7] Death, transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, engagement in high-risk sexual behaviour, psychological disorders and poor school performance are some sequelae of sexual abuse in childhood. 2,3,[5][6][7][8][9] Standard clinical management of patients includes documentation and treatment of injuries, obtaining forensic material, counselling, screening for sexually transmitted infections and the provision of social support. 10 Appropriate postexposure prophylaxis including emergency contraception for eligible patients are also integral to their care.…”