Risk factors of adolescent exposure to violence in Burkina Faso

Abstract

Background Globally violence against children and adolescents is a significant public health problem. Since children rely on family for early learning and socialization, evidence of the factors associated with exposure to violence within households may inform the development of policies and measures to prevent violence and aid the victims of violence. This study examines the risk and protective factors associated with adolescents’ exposure to violence at home and how these differ by gender and age in four regions of Burkina Faso. Materials and methods We used data from the baseline survey of the Child-Sensitive Social Protection Programme (CSSPP) conducted in four regions of Burkina Faso. The CSSPP is a cash transfer programme accompanied by complimentary nutrition, and water and sanitation interventions to address multidimensional child poverty. We employed bivariate and multivariable regression analysis on a sample of 2222 adolescents aged 10–19 to explore the risk and protective factors associated with exposure to violence. Results Results show that exposure to psychological violence (22.7%) was more common within the households when compared to physical violence (9.1%). Adolescent girls reported more exposure to physical violence while boys reported more exposure to psychological violence. Significant risk factors associated with the likelihood of exposure to violence among girls are orphanhood, living in a household receiving safety nets and living in a Muslim-majority community. Among boys, age, school attendance, disability, a household receiving safety nets, sharing a household with a depressed individual, and living in a Muslim-majority community, were associated with exposure to violence. Conclusions These gender-specific findings highlight the importance of family background characteristics and can be used to inform and strengthen the targeting of vulnerable children and adolescents in interventions aimed at reducing exposure to violence against children.

Breaking the Cycle: Addressing Period Poverty as a Critical Public Health Challenge and Its Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

“…This results in a considerable monthly requirement for supportive social and physical settings to handle menstruation effectively. Adolescence, particularly with the onset of menstruation, represents a pivotal period in one's life [ 2 ]; exposure to various physical [ 3 ] and psychological [ 4 ] risks affects long-term health and well-being. Dealing with menstruation in challenging environments during adolescence can heighten girls' susceptibility to sexual violence, stigma, and discrimination, impacting their future health and well-being [ 4 , 5 ].…”

“…First, this review underscores the pressing need for targeted interventions that address period poverty as a critical determinant of individuals' health and well-being [ 6 ]. The impact of inadequate menstrual hygiene management goes beyond mere hygiene, influencing health outcomes, educational attainment, and economic participation [ 2 - 4 ], all interconnected with broader public health goals. Addressing period poverty is thus fundamental to promoting good health and well-being, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 3 [ 8 ].…”