1
|
Siu G, Nsubuga RN, Lachman JM, Namutebi C, Sekiwunga R, Zalwango F, Riddell J, Wight D. The impact of the parenting for respectability programme on violent parenting and intimate partner relationships in Uganda: A pre-post study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299927. [PMID: 38787892 PMCID: PMC11125497 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a growing need for interventions that reduce both violence against children and intimate partner violence in low- and middle-income countries. However, few parenting interventions deliberately address this link. We tested the feasibility of a 16-session group-based parenting programme, Parenting for Respectability, in semi-rural Ugandan communities. METHODS This was a pre-post study with parents and their children (N = 484 parents; 212 children). RESULTS Pre-post comparisons found large effects for parent-reported reduced harsh parenting (Cohen's f2 = 0.41 overall; f2 = 0.47 (among session attendees); with an overall reduction of 26% for harsh parenting. Session attendees reported higher reductions than non-attendees (p = 0.014), and male caregivers reported higher reductions than female caregivers (p<0.001). Children also reported reduced harsh parenting by attending fathers (f2 = 0.64 overall; f2 = 0.60) and attending mothers (f2 = 0.56 overall; f2 = 0.51); with reduction in harsh parenting ranging between 27% to 29% in the various categories. Overall, spousal violence reduced by 27% (f2 = 0.19 overall; f2 = 0.26 (among session attendees). Both parents and children reported reduced dysfunctional parent relationships; parents: f2 = 0.19 overall; f2 = 0.26 (among session attendees); and children: f2 = 0.35 overall; f2 = 0.32 (for attending parents); with reductions ranging between 22% to 28%. Parents who attended more than 50% of the program reported greater effects on reduced dysfunctional relationships than those who attended less than half of the program (B = -0.74, p = 0.013). All secondary outcomes were improved with f2 ranging between 0.08 and 0.39; and improvements ranging between 6% and 28%. CONCLUSION Results suggest the importance of more rigorous testing to determine program effectiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Godfrey Siu
- Child Health and Development Centre, School of Medicine Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Global Health, LSHTM, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jamie M. Lachman
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Carol Namutebi
- Child Health and Development Centre, School of Medicine Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Richard Sekiwunga
- Child Health and Development Centre, School of Medicine Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Julie Riddell
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Daniel Wight
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Musizvingoza R, Tirivayi N, Otchere F, Viola F. Risk factors of adolescent exposure to violence in Burkina Faso. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2405. [PMID: 36544171 PMCID: PMC9771600 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14854-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Musizvingoza
- grid.460097.cUnited Nations University International Institute for Global Health (UNU IIGH), 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nyasha Tirivayi
- UNICEF-Office of Research-Innocenti, Florence, Italy, Via Degli Alfani 58, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Frank Otchere
- UNICEF-Office of Research-Innocenti, Florence, Italy, Via Degli Alfani 58, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Viola
- UNICEF-Office of Research-Innocenti, Florence, Italy, Via Degli Alfani 58, 50121 Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bhatia A, Parvez M, Pearlman J, Kasalirwe F, Kiss L, Kyamulabi A, Walakira EJ, Devries K, Tanton C. The Epidemiology of Young People's Work and Experiences of Violence in Nine Countries: Evidence from the Violence against Children Surveys. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16936. [PMID: 36554816 PMCID: PMC9778926 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Globally, 497 million young people (15-24 years) are in the labour force. The current research on work and violence indicates reciprocal links across the life course. This study draws on data from 35,723 young people aged 13-24 years in the Violence Against Children Surveys (VACS) in nine countries to describe the epidemiology of work in order to explore associations between (1) current work and violence and (2) childhood violence and work in a hazardous site in young adulthood. The prevalence of past-year work among 13-24-year-olds was highest in Malawi: 82.4% among young men and 79.7% among young women. In most countries, young women were more likely to be working in family or domestic dwellings (range: 23.5-60.6%) compared to men (range: 8.0-39.0%), while men were more likely to be working on a farm. Work in a hazardous site was higher among young men compared to women in every country. Among children aged 13-17 years, we found significant positive associations between past-year work and violence among girls in three countries (aORs between 2.14 and 3.07) and boys in five countries (aORs 1.52 to 3.06). Among young people aged 18-24 years, we found significant positive associations among young women in five countries (aORs 1.46 to 2.61) and among young men in one country (aOR 2.62). Associations between childhood violence and past-year work in a hazardous site among 18-24-year-olds were significant in one country among girls and in three countries among boys. Continued efforts are needed to prevent hazardous work, improve work environments, and integrate violence prevention efforts into workplaces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amiya Bhatia
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Maryam Parvez
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1G1, Canada
| | - Jodie Pearlman
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Fred Kasalirwe
- School of Economics, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7062, Uganda
| | - Ligia Kiss
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Agnes Kyamulabi
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7062, Uganda
| | - Eddy J. Walakira
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7062, Uganda
| | - Karen Devries
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Clare Tanton
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Langwenya N, Toska E, Stöckl H, Cluver L. Which groups are most affected by sexual violence? A disaggregated analysis by sex, age, and HIV-status of adolescents living in South Africa. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022:105981. [PMID: 36473807 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estimates on sexual violence (SV) among adolescents are rarely disaggregated by key indicators. OBJECTIVE We examine the independent effects of sex, age, HIV status and mode of HIV acquisition on the exposure to SV using generalised estimating equations models and proportional hazard model. PARTICIPANT AND SETTING Data from a 4-year prospective cohort study of 1447 adolescents (ages 10-19, 57% girls, 76% living with HIV) in South Africa. METHODS We describe the lifetime prevalence of three forms of SV: non-contact (unwanted showing of private parts), contact (coerced sexual debut, attempted and completed forced penetrative or oral sex,) and exploitative (sex in exchange for goods/money). RESULTS Overall, 23.9% (95%CI = 21.7%-26.1%) reported exposure to SV at some point in their lives: non-contact = 5.7%, contact = 9.0% and exploitative = 15.8%. While girls reported higher rates of exploitative (18.4% vs 12.3%; p < 0.001) and contact SV (12.3% vs 4.6%; p < 0.001), there were no differences in levels of non-contact SV by sex (6.5% vs 4.6%; p = 0.086). Exposure to any SV doubled in late adolescence (10-14 years = 7.0% vs ≥15 years = 31.7%; aIRR = 2.07; 95%CI = 1.82-2.37). Though level of SV were comparable between those living with HIV and those HIV-uninfected (22.9% vs 26.2%; p = 0.182), adolescents who recently acquired HIV were twice as likely to experience SV compared to adolescents who perinatally acquired HIV (42.3% vs 15.7%; aIRR = 2.03; 95%CI = 1.73-2.39). This association persisted when analysis was restricted to incidence SV during follow-up (aIRR = 1.53; 95%CI = 1.23-2.10). CONCLUSION Exposure to SV was high for both sexes, increased with age and more prevalent among adolescents who recently acquired HIV. SV prevention and response services must also be offered to boys and strengthened in HIV care services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nontokozo Langwenya
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield College, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Elona Toska
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Sociology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Heidi Stöckl
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Lucie Cluver
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nace A, Maternowska C, Fernandez B, Cravero K. The Violence Against Children Surveys (VACS): Using VACS data to drive programmes and policies. Glob Public Health 2022; 17:2807-2825. [PMID: 34905473 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2021.2010116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The Violence Against Children Surveys (VACS) are nationally representative surveys of males and females aged 13-24 years, designed to measure the burden of sexual, physical, and emotional violence experienced in childhood, adolescence and early adulthood. As of 2020, 22 countries implemented or are implementing a VACS. Since the first article using VACS data was published in 2009, several peer-reviewed articles have been published on the VACS. However, no publications have analysed the breadth of the work and how the data are represented in the literature. We conducted a review of the peer-reviewed research which used VACS data or mentioned the VACS. Between 2009 and July 2020, 50 peer-reviewed articles with data from 11 countries were published. Two studies (2/50; 4.0%) focused on boys, while 14 studies (14/50; 28.0%) focused on violence against girls. Fourteen articles focused on sexual violence (14/50; 28.0%), compared to three on emotional violence (3/50; 6.0%), and two on physical violence (2/50; 4.0%). Lastly, 52% of the articles (26 of the 50) were first authored by someone at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We identified the need to support local authors, and additional research on violence against boys, and physical and emotional violence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Nace
- University Research Co., Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Kathleen Cravero
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gonçalves JPDB, Lucchetti G, Latorre MDRD, Laranjeira R, Vallada H. Religiosity as a potential mediator for violence in childhood and adulthood: results from a Brazilian nationally representative survey. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e051225. [PMID: 35672063 PMCID: PMC9174776 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although previous studies have investigated the role of religiosity in violence outcomes, there is a lack of studies including this aspect as a mediator for violence in childhood and adulthood. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between religiosity and violence in childhood, as well as the possible mediating role of religiosity between suffering violence in childhood and suffering and/or perpetrating violence in adulthood. DESIGN Cross-sectional population-based study carried out from November 2011 to March 2012. SETTING Face-to-face surveys (at participants' homes) were performed in a Brazilian nationally representative sample. PARTICIPANTS A total of 3378 adults (aged 19 years and above) were included. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMES MEASURES The association between suffering violence in childhood and religiosity, and the mediating role of religiosity between childhood and adulthood violence were analysed using logistic regression models. RESULTS Religiosity was associated with childhood violence, showing that those who suffered less violence in childhood were more religious in adulthood and considered religion more important in their lives. However, while there was a significant association between suffering violence during childhood and suffering and/or perpetrating violence in adulthood, religiosity did not mediate this relationship. CONCLUSIONS Although religious individuals self-reported less violence suffered in childhood, religiosity did not show evidence of being a potential mediator for childhood and adulthood violence (experienced and/or perpetrated). These results could help researchers explore this phenomenon, and aid health professionals and managers when proposing future interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Giancarlo Lucchetti
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Ronaldo Laranjeira
- Psychiatry Department, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Homero Vallada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo (LIM-23/ProSER), Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Flynn-O’Brien KT, Rivara FP. Factors associated with physical violence against children in Haiti: a national population-based cross-sectional survey. Int J Inj Contr Saf Promot 2022; 29:66-75. [PMID: 34758707 PMCID: PMC10537557 DOI: 10.1080/17457300.2021.1996398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Considering the recent sociopolitical and environmental stress in Haiti, from the COVID pandemic to repeated natural disasters, we aimed to identify risk and protective factors associated with childhood physical violence (CPV) after the 2010 earthquake. A population-based national survey was administered to 13-24-year-old Haitians in 2012. A three-stage clustered sample design was utilized. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and risk ratios (aRR). 64% of survey respondents experienced CPV were estimated. Respondents who reported emotional and/or sexual abuse prior to age 12 were twice as likely to be victims of physical violence later during childhood (emotional aRR 1.9, 95% CI 1.3-2.7; sexual aRR 2.1, 95% CI 1.4-3.1). Feeling close or very close to one's mother was protective (aPR 0.66, 95% CI 0.47-0.92). This study is the first to describe risk and protective factors and also delineate temporality of exposures associated with CPV.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/17457300.2021.1996398.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine T. Flynn-O’Brien
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Wisconsin, milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Surgery, medical College of Wisconsin, milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Frederick P. Rivara
- Departments of Pediatrics and epidemiology, university of Washington & Harborview Injury Prevention and research Center, Seattle, Wa, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Natukunda HPM, Mubiri P, Cluver LD, Ddumba-Nyanzi I, Bukenya B, Walakira EJ. Which Factors Are Associated With Adolescent Reports of Experiencing Various Forms of Abuse at the Family Level in Post-Conflict Northern Uganda? JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2021; 36:NP12067-NP12096. [PMID: 31789094 DOI: 10.1177/0886260519888526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Research assessing familial violence against adolescents, using caregiver-adolescent dyads, is limited in post-conflict settings. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with adolescent-reported familial abuse in post-conflict northern Uganda. It also assessed the relationship between abuse subtypes and (a) beliefs supporting aggression and (b) adolescent well-being and life satisfaction. A randomly selected community-based sample of 10- to 17-year-old adolescents (54% girls) and their caregivers (N = 427 dyads) in two northern Uganda districts was used. Abuse outcomes were adolescent reported. All measures used standardized tools that have been adapted for research in resource-limited settings. Analyses used multivariable linear regressions in Stata 14/IC. Overall, physical, emotional, and sexual abuse rates were 70% (confidence interval [CI] = [65.7, 74.4]), 72% (CI = [67.4, 76.0]), and 18.0% (CI = [14.0, 21.2]), respectively. Polyvictimization was 61% (CI = [55.4, 64.7]). There were no gender differences regarding adolescent reports of physical and emotional abuse, but adolescent girls were more likely to report sexual abuse and polyvictimization than adolescent boys. All forms of adolescent-reported abuse (except sexual abuse) were associated with caregiver reports of harsh disciplinary practices. In addition, emotional abuse was associated with physical and sexual abuse. Physical abuse was associated with being an orphan and emotional abuse. Sexual abuse was associated with being a girl, older adolescent age, living in a larger household, and emotional abuse. Polyvictimization was positively associated with being an orphan, younger caregiver age, caregiver-reported poor monitoring and supervision, and higher household socioeconomic status, but negatively associated with lower parental role satisfaction. Physical and emotional (but not sexual) abuse and polyvictimization were associated with beliefs supporting aggression among adolescents. All abuse subtypes were associated with lower levels of perceived well-being and life satisfaction among adolescents in this study. Child abuse prevention programs have the potential to improve adolescent-caregiver interaction and interrupt the violence transmission cycle in this setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helen P M Natukunda
- Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- MRC Harwell Institute, UK Research and Innovation, Oxfordshire, UK
- University of Oxford, UK
| | | | - Lucie D Cluver
- University of Oxford, UK
- University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Naidoo L, Van Hout MC. Child Sex Offender Mind-Set and Grooming Strategies: A Discourse Analysis of Sex Offender Narratives from South Africa. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2021; 30:616-635. [PMID: 33719911 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2021.1890296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Violence against children, particularly sexual violence continues to threaten South African society. Whilst severely under-reported, the perpetration of child sexual abuse (CSA) against boys and girls is a significant societal concern, underpinned by adverse childhood familial instability, childhood abuse in particular sexual abuse, violence, inequality and wider structural forces. The research base is growing, despite low disclosure rates and significant barriers to access. In order to better understand unique trajectories of perpetration of CSA, particular to the South African context, we conducted an in-depth qualitative study with twelve male child sex offenders who were attending a therapeutic, rehabilitation programme. They provided open discourse on the forms of enticement, exploitation or entrapment of child victims, including threats of harm, used to elicit compliance into sexual activities. They disclosed trauma dictated fantasy, and that they felt powerful and in control, when they sexually abused their victims. Most of the offenses took place in their own home. By delving into the strategies and mind set of the offender who sexually abuse children, this study provides evidence of a distinct and deliberate, 'grooming process' used by offenders; and emphasizes the cyclic patterns of offending. Understanding these truths explores its potential for the prevention of the CSA. In its entirety, the research deconstructs the strategies of the offender and examines their actual role in the onset of sexually offending behavior against children; in order to draw out the implications of these complexities for policy, practice, crime prevention, particularly in terms of the prevention of CSA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Naidoo
- University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cerna-Turoff I, Fang Z, Meierkord A, Wu Z, Yanguela J, Bangirana CA, Meinck F. Factors Associated With Violence Against Children in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression of Nationally Representative Data. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2021; 22:219-232. [PMID: 33461441 PMCID: PMC7961628 DOI: 10.1177/1524838020985532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This systematic review and meta-regression sought to identify the relative importance of factors associated with physical, emotional, and sexual violence against children in low- and middle-income countries. Understanding of factors associated with violence is important for targeted programming and prevention on the population level. METHODS We searched 17 electronic databases from 1989 to 2018 and reports from child violence surveys. Nationally representative studies that described evidence on potential factors associated with violence against children under 18 years old were included. The search was restricted to the English language. Factors were synthesized quantitatively using robust variance estimation, with 95% confidence intervals, for each violence type. RESULTS We identified 8,346 unduplicated studies, and 103 publications met our eligibility criteria. The data distribution was uneven across region, country income status, factors, and violence types. Of the 94 eligible studies quantitatively synthesized, no specific factors were significant for physical violence. Lower household socioeconomic status, being a girl, and primary education of mothers and adults in the household were associated with emotional violence, and being a girl was associated with sexual violence. CONCLUSION A broad spectrum of factors merit consideration for physical violence policy and prevention among the general population of children in low- and middle-income countries. Conversely, a tailored approach may be warranted for preventing emotional and sexual violence. Information is unequally distributed across countries, factors, and violence types. Greater emphasis should be placed on collecting representative data on the general population and vulnerable subgroups to achieve national reductions in violence against children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilan Cerna-Turoff
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Zuyi Fang
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Anne Meierkord
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Zezhen Wu
- Department of Applied Psychology, New York University, USA
| | - Juan Yanguela
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Clare Ahabwe Bangirana
- AfriChild Centre, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Franziska Meinck
- School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Anwar Abdel-Fatah N. Determinants of severe physical disciplinary practices against children in Egypt. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 111:104821. [PMID: 33257026 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although nearly 43 % of Egyptian children aged less than 14 years had ever experienced severe physical violent punishment at home, no previous studies identified the predictors of the practice in Egypt. OBJECTIVE This research aims at identifying the determinants of the use of any severe violent physical practice to discipline children. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING The latest national Egyptian Demographic and Health Survey is the main source of data. The caregivers of 13024 children were interviewed. METHODS A binary logistic regression model is developed to identify the determinants of the use of severe physical disciplinary practices. RESULTS Results show that children whose parents believe that physical punishment is necessary to discipline children are more likely to experience severe violence (OR = 3.3). Children in the preprimary stage have a high odds ratio of experiencing a severe violent punishment compared to those in preparatory and secondary stages (OR = 3.5). Children whose mothers have experienced domestic physical violence are more likely to be subject to severe physical violence (OR = 1.6 for husband violence, and 1.4 for parents/siblings violence). Children living in Urban Lower Egypt are approximately twice likely as children living in urban governorates to be subject to severe physical violence. Children living in the poorest households are the most likely to experience severe physical violence. CONCLUSION Severe violent disciplinary practice inside the home is common in Egypt. The findings urge for activating Egyptian Child Law and implementing continuous training programs for parents on positive parenting.
Collapse
|
12
|
Rumble L, Febrianto RF, Larasati MN, Hamilton C, Mathews B, Dunne MP. Childhood Sexual Violence in Indonesia: A Systematic Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2020; 21:284-299. [PMID: 29629637 DOI: 10.1177/1524838018767932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
There has been relatively little research into the prevalence of childhood sexual violence (CSV) as well as the risk and protective factors for CSV in low- and middle-income countries including Indonesia. Systematic searches conducted in English and Bahasa Indonesia in this review identified 594 records published between 2006 and 2016 in peer-reviewed journals and other literature including 299 Indonesian records. Fifteen studies, including nine prevalence studies, met the quality appraisal criteria developed for this review. The review found that CSV research is scarce: Only one study included nationally representative prevalence estimates. Varying definitions for CSV, survey methods, and sample characteristics limited the generalizability of the data. The available evidence points to significant risk of sexual violence affecting both girls and boys across many geographical and institutional settings. Married adolescent girls are vulnerable to sexual violence by partners in their homes. Children in schools are vulnerable to CSV by peers and adults. Victims seldom disclose incidents and rarely seek support. In addition, early childhood experiences of trauma were strongly associated with later perpetration of sexual violence and revictimization. Limited information is available about protective factors. This review synthesizes evidence about what is currently known about CSV in Indonesia and identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the existing research. A more robust evidence base regarding CSV is required to better inform policy and justify investment into prevention programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ben Mathews
- Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Michael P Dunne
- Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kumar MT, Kar N, Kumar S. Prevalence of child abuse in Kerala, India: An ICAST-CH based survey. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2019; 89:87-98. [PMID: 30641337 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Child abuse is a major concern in India with frequent reports of extreme maltreatment and fatalities. A dearth of robust and methodologically sound studies has resulted in ambiguity regarding the extent of child abuse in the general population. OBJECTIVES To estimate the one-year and lifelong prevalence of exposure to violence, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect using a validated instrument-the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN) Child Abuse Screening Tool - Child, Home Version (ICAST-CH). PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Adolescents (n = 6957) attending randomly selected schools in one city in Kerala, India. METHODS Cross-sectional survey using self-report instrument. RESULTS The one-year prevalence of any abuse was 89.9% (95% CI: 89.1-90.7) suggesting that child maltreatment was widespread. Physical and emotional abuses were also very common. Although sexual abuse was least common, a considerable proportion of adolescents reported it; one-year prevalence of sexual abuse was 16.7% and lifetime prevalence was 19.9%. Boys reported more abuse than girls across all the categories of abuse (including sexual abuse). Abuse was more frequent in the higher age groups and classes at school. Abuse was also more frequent in nuclear families and families that reported alcohol use. Children who reported an abusive experience usually faced more than one category of abuse; abuse in one category was significantly associated with abuse in other categories. CONCLUSIONS Abuse of children is alarmingly common. There is an urgent need for improving the awareness surrounding this issue as it is a major public health challenge faced by the country. The priority should be on setting up easily accessible support services for children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Therayil Kumar
- Institute for Mind and Brain (InMind Hospital), Thrissur, Kerala, India; Keele University, UK.
| | - Nilamadhab Kar
- Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Wolverhampton, UK.
| | - Sebind Kumar
- Govt. Medical College, Alappuzha, Kerala, India.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Vertamatti MAF, Strufaldi R, Evans DP, Drezett J, Barbosa CP, Abreu LCD. Factors associated with reporting delays and severity of childhood sexual abuse in São Paulo, Brazil. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2018; 24:739-748. [PMID: 30539657 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2018.1556397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Negative health outcome and its relationship with length and severity of Childhood Sexual Abuse is well established in the literature. Until recently, this literature consisted disproportionately of studies of adults recalling past events. For guidelines for the treatment of childhood survivors, research focused on child victims may be more relevant. We aim to characterize factors related to long-term and severe sexual abuse among children in São Paulo, Brazil. We conducted a cross-sectional study of children up to the age of ten, referred to a specialty program on sexual abuse between 2004 and 2013. Length and severity of the abuse were tested for associations with variables related to the abuse using a Chi-square test, followed by the Poisson regression with robust variance for prevalence ratio. Most children experienced abuse were reliant on relatives or friends for housing (45%). The time between abuse and reporting was longer when the perpetrator lived in the same household as the child and when abuse was reported by a relative or friend. Abuse was more frequent among female children, but longer and more severe in males. A lack of independent housing, parents' education and social stigma facilitated childhood sexual abuse by delaying reporting among our sample.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Auxiliadora F Vertamatti
- a Faculdade de Medicina do ABC , Santo Andre , Brazil.,b Hospital Municipal Universitário , São Bernardo do Campo , Brazil.,c Departamento de Saúde Materno-infantil, Faculdade de Saúde Pública , Universidade de São Paulo (USP) , Sao Paulo , Brazil
| | - Rodolfo Strufaldi
- a Faculdade de Medicina do ABC , Santo Andre , Brazil.,b Hospital Municipal Universitário , São Bernardo do Campo , Brazil
| | - Dabney P Evans
- d Hubert Department of Global Health and Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education at the Rollins School of Public Health , Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Jefferson Drezett
- a Faculdade de Medicina do ABC , Santo Andre , Brazil.,c Departamento de Saúde Materno-infantil, Faculdade de Saúde Pública , Universidade de São Paulo (USP) , Sao Paulo , Brazil
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Shiva Kumar AK, Stern V, Subrahmanian R, Sherr L, Burton P, Guerra N, Muggah R, Samms-Vaughan M, Watts C, Mehta SK. Ending violence in childhood: a global imperative. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2017; 22:1-16. [DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2017.1287409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lorraine Sherr
- Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Patrick Burton
- Centre for Justice and Crime Prevention, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nancy Guerra
- Department of Psychology and Social Behavior, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | | | - Maureen Samms-Vaughan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, University of West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Charlotte Watts
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|