Prevalence and pattern of child sexual abuse reported by cross sectional study among the University students, Sohag University, Egypt

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study aims to determine the prevalence and pattern, of the child sexual abuse (CSA) among a sample of college students at Sohag University, Egypt. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among a sample of 450 undergraduate college students of whom 217 (48.2%) were males and 233 (51.8%) were females. Finkelhor’s questionnaire for measuring sexual abuse was utilized in the present study. ResultsThe overall prevalence rate for child sexual abuse was 29.8%, with rates being higher for females (37.8%) than for males (21.2%). The average age of CSA for males was 9.20years, compared to 10.03years for female victims. The prevalence was higher in rural than urban residency. Hugging & kissing represented the most reported type of child sexual abuse; only 1.1% of the participants experienced complete sexual relation. All types of sexual abuse included in the present study were reported in higher rates in age group 10–15years in comparison to other age groups. The majority of the perpetrators was male and mainly from outside the home (95.5%) & only 4.5% were a family member. 23.9% of the participants sexually abused as child disclosed the assault. ConclusionThis study provides evidence for the existence of child sexual abuse in our society that is not rare among university students and comprehensive protection measures should be taken.