Self reported experience of physical abuse in schools in Nigeria

Abstract

IntroductionPhysical abuse of children in schools is common in Nigeria, but its prevalence and forms are yet to be clearly studied.ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence and pattern of physical abuse of children in Secondary Schools in Ilorin NigeriaMethodsCross sectional survey of secondary school students aged 11-18 years in Ilorin Nigeria using multistage random sampling technique with proportional allocation was done. Respondents completed the ICAST-CI questionnaire which covers child abuse in educational institutions. Prevalence and pattern of child abuse was computed.ResultsTable 1: Pattern of physical abuse in School in the last 12 monthsForm of abuseFrequencyPercentagePhysical Abuse* (n=1,554)Caused you pain151497.4Stay in cold/heat128582.7Hit you with fist71646.1Kneel in a way that hurts68644.1Slap on head as punishment66342.7Twist ear as punishment63540.9Kicked you47630.6Slap on your arm44828.8Throws object at you34722.3Crushed your finger as punishment23114.9Choked you22414.4Pulled your hair as punishment1167.5Starvation as punishment674.3Forced to do dangerous acts644.1Soap or pepper in mouth483.1Cut you with sharp object101.0Burnt as punishment--Put into hot or cold water--Tied with rope or belt--ConclusionsPhysical abuse of children is extremly commonplace in public secondary schools in Nigeria. it is neccessary to explore other ways of dealing with children in educational institutions.DisclosureNo significant relationships.