Prevalence of sexual violence and associated factors among primary school students - Brazil, 2015.

Marconi De Jesus Santos,Deborah Carvalho Malta,Marta Maria Alves Da Silva,Cheila Marina Lima,Márcio Dênis Medeiros Mascarenhas

doi:10.1590/1413-81232018242.13112017

Abstract

The objective of this study was to describe and analyze factors associated with sexual violence (SV) among primary school students in Brazil. Data from the National School Health Survey (PeNSE in Portuguese) in 2015 was analyzed. The prevalence of total and disaggregated SV was calculated according to variables such as sociodemographic data, family context, mental health, risk behaviors, safety, and physical activity. The Odds Ratios of suffering SV were estimated according to variables that were statistically associated (p < 0.05) by means of multivariate analysis. The prevalence of SV was 4.0%. SV among school-age adolescents was associated with characteristics such as: age of < 13 years old; female; black skin color; working; being assaulted by family members; having insomnia; feeling lonely; not having friends; consuming tobacco / alcohol regularly; having tried drugs; having started sexual activity; feeling insecure on the way to or at school; and having suffered bullying. Studying in a private school, having a mother with higher education, living with parents, and supervision by relatives were protective factors to SV. It was possible to identify students' vulnerabilities to SV, which can support researchers, professionals, and families in the prevention of this type of violence.

Highlights

Sexual violence against adolescents is very common and threatens the health and well-being of millions of young people throughout the world, which represent a significant portion of the population, and should be prioritized in public policies to prevent such harm[1,2,3]
Sexual violence was reported in greater proportions among students that did not live with their mother and/or father, and among those that worked and received remuneration for their work (Table 1)
Regarding the family context, reporting of sexual violence was greater among students that missed classes, were unsupervised by family members, and among those physically assaulted by a relative

Summary

Introduction

Sexual violence against adolescents is very common and threatens the health and well-being of millions of young people throughout the world, which represent a significant portion of the population, and should be prioritized in public policies to prevent such harm[1,2,3]. Psychological, and social harm caused by sexual violence against adolescents results in injuries, disability, or death. Many victims are children or young people who do not know how to protect themselves, while others – in spite of being older – are forced to remain silent and do not seek help due to social pressures or conventions, causing even greater suffering[7,8]

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Conclusion