Prevalence and associated factors of child abuse and its effects on anxiety and depression among children in Sierra Leone: Results of the 2017 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey

Abstract

The study aimed to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with child abuse and its effects on anxiety and depression among children (5 to 14 years) in Sierra Leone. We analysed data from the 2017 Sierra Leone Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), in which 9 165 mothers or caretakers of children aged 5 to 14 years responded to questions on child disciplining methods, attitude towards violence, and on anxiety and depression of their children. We used logistic regression to investigate the association between household and maternal variables and child abuse and its effects on anxiety and depression. Results indicate that the prevalence of psychological abuse was 85.7%, moderate physical abuse was 66.1%, and severe physical abuse was 54.4%. Further, 13.0% of children had anxiety and 9.4% had depression. In the final logistic regression model, poorer wealth status and rural residence were associated with severe child physical abuse. Endorsing physical punishment of children by the mothers or female caregivers was associated with all three types of abuse (psychological, moderate, and severe physical abuse). Multiple child abuse types were associated with anxiety and depression. Most children in Sierra Leone experienced child abuse, and multiple child abuse types were associated with poor mental health. Interventions to prevent child abuse should support parents in adopting child-friendly parenting practices.