Experience Of Sexual Abuse Research Articles

Patterns of Adolescent Peer Affiliation among Youth At-Risk of Maltreatment

This study examined patterns of peer affiliations and their associations with child maltreatment, substance use, and future expectations. This study focused on 844 adolescents from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect. We identified four distinct peer-affiliation patterns: (1) no affiliation with peers who engage in either prosocial or deviant behaviors; (2) affiliation with peers using substances; (3) affiliation with peers who engage in severe deviant behaviors; and (4) affiliation with peers who engage in prosocial behaviors. Youth with sexual abuse experiences were more likely to be affiliated with peers who engage in severe deviant or prosocial behaviors. We also found different substance use and future expectations depending on peer affiliations. This study highlights the importance of examining both prosocial and deviant peer affiliations.

‘Flow’: A Film About the Disclosure of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Trauma-informed care is growing in importance in health and social care, with disclosure as a vital first step. Yet evidence suggests that individual interactions with professionals may not facilitate trauma disclosure. ‘Flow’ aimed to address this. The film represents a high-quality, behaviour change resource that can be utilised in a wide range of circumstances. It was co-produced by representatives from the University of Sheffield, NHS England, the Department of Health and people with lived experience of childhood sexual abuse. The film follows the story of Amy, who is preparing for her art exhibition when a comment reignites traumatic childhood memories. She wants to approach her General Practitioner for help but is hindered both by family loyalty and barriers to disclosure within the NHS. ‘Flow’ has been used both in statutory services and non-governmental organisations, as well as being selected for inclusion in two film festivals. It represents an innovative way to communicate research results and foster change.

Incidence and Correlates of Husband-Perpetrated Rape Among Currently Married Women in Nigeria.

Husband-perpetrated rape (HPR), which implies every form of unwilling sex with a husband as a result of force, threat or drug, is rarely discussed or reported, and it has been quite understudied in Nigeria. Hence, this study answers two questions: What is the incidence of HPR, and what are the correlates among currently married women in Nigeria? Descriptive and multi-level logistic regression tools are used to analyze data from a sub-sample of 1,583 currently married women (16 years and above) surveyed in a larger survey conducted in mid-2022. The results suggest that the national incidence rate of HPR among currently married women in Nigeria is 20%. Although any married woman could experience HPR anywhere, the main correlates that are likely to elevate the risk in Nigeria are childhood sexual abuse experience (OR = 3.9, p < .001, 95% CI [2.9, 5.2]), membership in Yoruba ethnic group (OR = 2.7, p < .001, [1.7, 4.3]), and having husbands who smoke (OR = 2.4, p < .001, [1.7, 3.4]). Other minor risk factors are minority ethnic groups membership (OR = 2.1, p < .01, [1.4, 3.3]), husband's substance use (OR = 1.7, p < .001, [1.3, 2.2]), childhood family situation wherein parents separated/divorced (OR = 1.8, p < .01, [1.3, 2.6]) and membership of the Igbo ethnic group (OR = 1.7, p < .05, [1.1, 2.8]). Therefore, to reduce HPR experience in Nigeria, appropriate organs should design and implement an invigorated child protection law targeting childhood sexual abuse reduction. An aggressive campaign against smoking and substance consumption among married men is also imperative. Also, a sustained campaign against HPR using multiple media all over Nigeria is crucial.

Large Language Models in an App: Conducting a Qualitative Synthetic Data Analysis of How Snapchat’s “My AI” Responds to Questions About Sexual Consent, Sexual Refusals, Sexual Assault, and Sexting

ABSTRACT Comprehensive sexual health education for young people often remains largely inaccessible, leaving gaps in knowledge about sexual consent, refusals, sexual assault, and sexting. Snapchat’s My AI, tailored to its users, offers accessible and potentially stigma-free responses to sexual health queries, showing promise in addressing these gaps. This study aimed to evaluate My AI’s effectiveness in handling questions related to sexual communication, assault, and sexting, and its response consistency across users. Collaborating with young adults and leveraging prior literature, our team formulated questions on sexual consent, refusals, sexual assault, and sexting submitted to My AI by 15 researchers. Each team member opened a chat with My AI in Snapchat and asked it a set of questions in the same order. We then conducted a qualitative content analysis to assess for consistency across users. My AI responses emphasized the importance of clear, honest consent and refusal communication through physical contact or direct conversation. With potential experiences of sexual assault or sexting, it advised consultation with a trusted caregiver. While My AI provided similar responses across researchers, variations were noted. My AI’s responses mirrored common sexual health education messages and the responses used language reflective of sympathy toward potential assault victims or those who were asked for sexual images. My AI’s potential to enhance accessibility to sexual health information could empower young people in making informed sexual health decisions. However, variability in responses may limit impact and comprehension, underscoring the importance of educators complementing these tools.

Latent classes of adverse childhood experiences and adult health and behavioural outcomes in Haiti’s Cité Soleil

Exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is associated with harmful biopsychosocial and behavioral outcomes in adulthood and with reduced community capacity. We investigated the prevalence of ACEs and differential risk of adverse adult outcomes based on latent class assignment in a resource- limited, high violence, and understudied setting of urban Haiti, i.e., Cité Soleil. 100% (N = 673; 41.4% men, 58.6% women, mean age 28.5) reported at minimum one ACE; 70% reported physical and emotional abuse as ACEs, and 47% reported experience of child sexual abuse (CSA). We identified 3 distinct latent classes and evaluated associations between class membership and correlates (e.g., experience of non-partner sexual violence as adults [NPSV], suicidal ideation [SI], substance use to manage stress). Family dysfunction (domestic violence, substance abuse, mental illness, divorce, or incarceration of caregivers) existed across all three classes. Patterns of ACEs reported by members of Class 2 support their identification as a distinct class that is at greatest risk for adverse adult outcomes. Specifically, the increased odds of exposure to CSA distinguished members of Class 2 from Classes 1 and 3. Members of Class 2 also had increased odds of substance use, SI, fear of going outside, NPSV experience, and hypervigilance. Class 2 members further showed reduced odds of education, access to health care, and being men survivors of NPSV. The prevalence of ACEs in this sample is unprecedented. Haiti needs ACE prevention and compassionate trauma-informed care at the population level.

Assessment of the impact an educational intervention on post-traumatic stress disorder and social cognitive theory constructs in women with sexual assault experience: a study protocol for a clinical trial

BackgroundThe high psychological burden of rape, together with complications such as pregnancy and chronic conditions, is associated with an increase in mental disorders. Social cognitive theory (SCT) is an important health theory that views behavior as dynamic and influenced by environmental, behavioral and individual factors. The aim of the present research is to determine the effect of an educational intervention on post-traumatic stress disorder and social cognitive theory constructs in women who have experienced sexual assault.Methods/designThis study is randomized, double-blind clinical trial research that will be conducted on 40 women with experience of sexual. In this research, by the intervention program based on social cognitive theory include" awareness, self-efficacy, outcome expectations and environment. Written consent will be obtained from the participants to participate in the research. Participants in the intervention group will be taught about health, hygiene, psychology and stress reduction methods in group or individual sessions according to their preference in 6 sessions of 60 min each, one session per week. A post-test will be conducted for both groups.DiscussionThis study provides comprehensive data on the effect of providing an educational intervention using the social cognition Theory. Social cognitive theory focuses on how patterns of behavior are learned and how they function in interaction between the individual and the environment. It seems that the use of this theory in designing the content of educational interventions can be useful and practical.Trial registration: The trial is prospectively recorded at the IRCT registry (Trial ID: IRCT20230926059526N1. Date recorded: 18/10/2023.

Non-partner Sexual Violence Among International College Students in the United States

The prevalence of non-partner sexual violence among college students is a pressing concern that demands urgent attention. Although an integral part of the education system, international college students are often underrepresented in various studies. This calls attention to understanding the cultural nuances and multiple factors affecting this population. The current research delves into the experiences of sexual abuse among international students within the last 12 months, focusing specifically on incidents where sexual penetration or unwanted sexual touching occurred without consent. The study sheds light on the frequency and demographics associated with these distressing incidents using data from a large-scale survey conducted over the past year, encompassing a sample size of 13,242 international student respondents. Results reveal alarming statistics, with a substantial proportion of international students reporting experiences of non-partner sexual violence. Specifically, 4.8% of participants reported being sexually touched without consent, 1.9% reported attempted sexual penetration without consent, and 1.6% reported actual sexual penetration or being made to penetrate someone without consent. Moreover, the analysis indicates significant associations between experiences of sexual abuse and key demographic variables such as gender, relationship status, and number of sexual partners. Further exploration through univariate regression unveils compelling insights into the intersectionality of sexual violence, highlighting disparities based on biological sex, relationship status, and number of sexual partners among international students. The present study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive prevention and intervention strategies to address the pervasive issue of non-partner sexual violence among international college students. By understanding the dynamics of these incidents and their correlates, institutions can tailor support services, advocacy efforts, and educational initiatives to create safer and more inclusive environments for all international students.

Health and wellbeing of survivors of sexual violence and abuse attending sexual assault referral centres in England: the MESARCH mixed-methods evaluation.

One million people in England and Wales experience sexual violence and abuse each year, with nearly half experiencing serious sexual offences; around 30,000 survivors access sexual assault referral centres. This research was commissioned by National Institute for Health and Care Research to evaluate access, interventions and care pathways for survivors, especially those provided through sexual assault referral centres. The sexual assault referral centres care pathway was investigated through six sub-studies. There were two Cochrane Reviews (4274 participants). Seventy-two providers and 5 survivors were interviewed at eight sites; the children and young people study involved 12 participants from two sexual assault referral centres. A cohort study involving three-wave data collection over 1 year (21 sites; 2602 service users screened, 337 recruited) used a multilevel modelling framework to explore risk factors for burden of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms at baseline and change at 1 year. We analysed costs and outcomes and conducted a narrative analysis (41 survivors). We worked closely with survivors and prioritised the safety/welfare of participants and researchers. Cochrane Reviews identified large effects from psychosocial interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Sexual assault referral centres delivered a high-quality frontline service for survivors but groups experiencing domestic abuse and some ethnic and cultural minorities were under-represented. The qualitative research emphasised inter-agency collaboration for survivor benefit. The cohort study identified a risk 'triad' of adverse childhood experiences, poor mental health and economic deprivation, which was associated with baseline trauma burden. There were important improvements in trauma symptoms a year later. These improvements were unrelated to different sexual assault referral centre models. Costs and other outcomes were also similar across models. Harmful policing and justice practices/procedures were identified by 25% of participants. In this context, trauma-competent interviewing techniques, regular/timely updates and conveying case decisions with care signalled good practice. The cohort study lacked a comparison group, reducing confidence in the finding that access to sexual assault referral centres explained the reduction observed in post-traumatic stress disorder. Barriers to access call for concerted efforts to implement trauma-informed universal health services. The risk 'triad' underscores the value of holistic approaches to care at sexual assault referral centres and timely follow-on care. Poor mental health was the main barrier to service access beyond sexual assault referral centres. The persistence of trauma symptoms a year after accessing sexual assault referral centres signals urgent need for tackling counselling wait-lists, expanding support options and commitment to lifelong care. Multidisciplinary evaluation of sexual assault referral centres for better health provides a foundation for advancing trauma-informed practices in the context of sexual violence and abuse. This study is registered as ISRCTN30846825 https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN30846825. This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health and Social Care Delivery Research programme (NIHR award ref: 16/117/04) and is published in full in Health and Social Care Delivery Research; Vol. 12, No. 35. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.

CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE IMPACT ON ADULTHOOD

Introduction – Child sexual abuse (CSA) occurs when a kid or younger person is forced or persuaded to engage in sexual activity, whether the child is conscious of what is taking place. According to global databases, in one-third of countries in the world, at least 5% of young women reported experiences of sexual abuse in childhood. Mental health issues, behavioral manifestations, and interpersonal outcomes are a few impacts of CSA. This study aims to discuss the CSA's impact on adulthood. Methods – The researcher used a total of 13 works of literature, articles, and journals that discuss CSA and its correlation with some mental health issues impact on an adult. Results – Adults with a history of CSA are more likely to suffer from early onset depression, borderline personality disorder, and suicidal tendencies than someone without a history, that is why emotional support seems very important to the CSA survivors. Discuss – As children are sexually abused, it may lead to a variety of difficulties with relationships in general, as well as a host of poor intimate relationship consequences such as adult sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and reduced happiness in romantic relationships. Conclusion – Childhood sexual abuse is still a major problem among children and has several psychological impacts on adulthood, and emotional support is one of the great therapies. Keywords: childhood, sexual, abuse.

The relationship of childhood maltreatment, adult sexual victimization, depressed mood and symptoms of trauma with fear of childbirth

Background: Fear of childbirth (FoB) is experienced to some degree by most pregnant people and can be intense enough to merit treatment. Despite significant research on the topic of FoB, studies investigating various forms of maltreatment and mental health symptoms in relation to FoB are very limited. In particular, studies including multiple forms of maltreatment along with mental health symptoms as predictors of FoB are extremely limited. We sought to fill this gap and clarify the relative contributions of these variables to the prediction of FoB. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of data from pregnant people in Canada. Participants (N = 881) provided demographic and reproductive history information, completed self-report measures of FoB, childhood maltreatment (multiple forms), adult sexual victimization, depressed mood and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They were also administered a diagnostic interview to assess for specific phobia, FoB. Analyses included descriptive information, Wilcoxon rank sum tests, linear and logistic regression, and path analysis. Results: Most forms of maltreatment showed some association with increased FoB. However, when assessed together, only emotional maltreatment remained a significant predictor of FoB. Both depressed mood and symptoms of PTSD contributed more to FoB than maltreatment, and mediated the relationship of emotional maltreatment with FoB. The only direct effects of childhood emotional maltreatment on FoB were for fears of medical interventions and feelings of embarrassment during labour and delivery. Limitations: Study findings fill significant gaps in our understanding of the relationship between maltreatment, mental health symptoms and FoB. However, the study sample was limited to Canadian participants, most of whom were socio-economically advantaged, cis-gender women of European descent, thus limiting the generalizability of the findings. Further, as childhood maltreatment and sexual assault experiences in adulthood were reported retrospectively, study findings are also vulnerable to recall bias. Conclusions: Findings contribute to our understanding of the relationship between childhood maltreatment, adult sexual victimization, mental health and FoB. These findings can facilitate future research and improved care via a focus on depressed mood, symptoms of PTSD, emotional maltreatment and specific fears of medical interventions and social discomfort as significant contributors to one's experience of FoB.

What Helps Children and Young People to Disclose their Experience of Sexual Abuse and What Gets in the Way? A Systematic Scoping Review

Abstract Background Global research has found that prevalence rates of child sexual abuse suggest that this is a significant ongoing public health concern. A recent Australian study, for example, revealed that more than three girls and almost one in five boys reported experiencing sexual abuse before the age of 18. Self-reported rates of abuse, however, far exceed official figures, suggesting that large numbers of children who experience sexual abuse do not come to the attention of relevant authorities. Whether and how those children have tried to tell their stories remains unclear. Objective The goal of the review was to explore scholarly literature to determine what was known about what enables or constrains children to disclose their experience of sexual abuse. Method A systematic scoping review was undertaken to better understand the current state of knowledge in the scholarly literature on child sexual abuse disclosure. Thirty-two scholarly publications were included for analysis following a rigorous process of sourcing articles from five databases and systematically screening them based on transparent inclusion and exclusion criteria. Ecological systems and trauma-informed theoretical paradigms underpinned an inductive thematic analysis of the included manuscripts. Results Three multi-dimensional themes were identified from the thirty-two publications. These themes were: factors enabling disclosure are multifaceted; barriers to disclosure include a complex interplay of individual, familial, contextual and cultural issues; and Indigenous victims and survivors, male survivors, and survivors with a minoritised cultural background may face additional barriers to disclosing their experiences of abuse. Conclusions The literature suggests that a greater understanding of the barriers to disclosures exists. Further research that supports a deeper understanding of the complex interplay of enablers and the barriers to disclosure across diverse populations is needed. In particular, future research should privilege the voices of victims and survivors of child sexual abuse, mobilising their lived experiences to co-create improved practice and policy.

Association between sexual violence and depression is mediated by perceived social support among female university students in the kingdom of Eswatini

BackgroundGender-based violence is a tool that primarily functions to maintain gendered power hierarchies. Manifestations of gender-based violence, sexual assault and street harassment have been shown to have significant effects on mental wellbeing in the global North, however there is little research centering the experiences and consequences of gendered harassment in the Africa region.MethodsWe analyzed a cross-sectional random sample of 372 women attending a major university in Eswatini in 2017 to measure the prevalence of street harassment among female university students and assess the relationship between experiences of sexual assault, sexualized street harassment, and mental health outcomes in this population.ResultsWe found that in the previous 12 months, women reported experiencing high levels of sexual assault (20%), street harassment (90%), and depression (38%). Lifetime sexual assault, past 12 months sexual assault, and street harassment were all significantly associated with symptoms of depression. We created a structural model to test hypothesized causal pathways between street harassment, previous experiences of sexual assault, and symptoms of depression, with social support as a potential mediator. We found that a history of sexual violence significantly mediated the association between street harassment and depression, and that social support mediated a large proportion of the association between both forms of gender-based violence and depression.ConclusionSexualized street harassment is associated with increased depressive symptomology for nearly all women, however the effects are especially pronounced for women who have previous experiences of sexual violence. Sexualized street harassment functions as a tool to maintain gendered power hierarchies by reminding women of ongoing threat of sexual violence even in public spaces. Social support and solidarity among women is a potentially important source of resiliency against the physical and mental harms of all forms of gender based violence.

Family Settings, Sexual Abuse Experience, and Health Outcomes among Young People in Lagos State, Nigeria

Family Settings, Sexual Abuse Experience, and Health Outcomes among Young People in Lagos State, Nigeria

Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in Nursing Education: Insights from Student Nurses at the National University of Lesotho

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Background:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Globally, student frustration and attrition rates are declining, underscoring the importance of investigating the academic and interpersonal challenges that students face after their first year. Objectives: exploring the experiences of National University of Lesotho student nurses on their course of education. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Method:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; A qualitative phenomenological research design was used to conduct research at the National University of Lesotho. Data was collected using an unstructured interview guide in two focus groups comprising all student nurses who are enrolled in the nursing and midwifery programme from their second year into the programme. This study employed a stratified random sampling procedure to select its respondents. This study made use of thematic analysis. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Results: &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;The results demonstrated clinical weariness caused by a severe workload. The tasks and responsibilities assigned to the students, which they consider to be the duties of registered nurses, frequently leave them feeling overburdened. Variations in clinical supervision experiences include negligence; some experience sexual abuse; and some students find the clinical setting quite unpleasant and inappropriate. On the other hand, students expressed that they are empowered by the current nursing curriculum to face the clinical challenges. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Conclusion:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Despite appreciating the faculty&amp;apos;s supportive and inspiring environment, students had conflicting emotions about the instructional approaches and learning environments. There were variations in both instructional quality and clinical supervision.

Media discourse analysis of sexual harassment in the airline, hotel and spa sectors

ABSTRACT Numerous people are employed in tourism and hospitality worldwide, but sexual harassment (SH) is a common problem that management fails to address. Informed by framing theory, this study examines how SH is portrayed in media coverage of tourism and hospitality workplaces, exploring frames used to shape public perceptions and societal dialogues. We conducted a computer-assisted thematic analysis of articles published around and after the #MeToo movement, which gained widespread attention in 2017, empowering survivors to share experiences of sexual harassment and assault. We used multiple tools to examine reported SH incidents within the airline, hotel and spa sectors. Our results reveal a deep and broad under-reporting of incidents and a need for more management awareness and proactive strategies to improve the situation. Although some efforts have been made, SH remains a problem in our social construct of patriarchal dominance, as evidenced by the normalisation of coercive control and persistent sexualization of tourism and hospitality workers in media discourses. As such, our analysis has the following implications: regulators must establish clear boundaries, managers need to acknowledge that SH is an issue and further research in specific areas is needed to ascertain the depth and range of SH within the tourism industry.

Expert interviewers’ approach to navigating forensic interviews with adolescents who are reluctant to disclose sexual abuse

Adolescents are often reluctant to disclose experiences of sexual abuse in forensic interviews. In these situations, there is consensus that interviewers should respond supportively, yet they appear to have considerable difficulty doing so. In the current study, we sought to provide practical guidance on how interviewers can adopt a supportive approach when interviewees are reluctant. Twenty-one expert interviewers were asked how they engage and support adolescents who are reluctant to share information when sexual abuse is suspected. The findings indicate that the expert interviewers approach reluctance by leaning into and exploring the interviewee’s perspective, and tailor their response based on an awareness of the unique needs of the interviewee. Several key support strategies were identified to facilitate this approach. The findings of this study provide practical guidance for how interviewers can approach reluctant interviewees, while also generating novel directions for future research.

Childhood maltreatment as predictor and moderator for treatment outcome in patients with major depressive disorders treated with metacognitive therapy or behavioral activation

BackgroundChildhood maltreatment (CM) is a risk factor for developing and maintaining depression. It is unclear whether CM influences the effect of treatments for depression. This study examined CM's predictor and moderator effect in Behavioral Activation (BA) and Metacognitive Therapy (MCT). MethodCM was analyzed in a trial comparing a six months treatment program of either BA or MCT for 122 outpatients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Depression was assessed by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD-24). CM was assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). ResultsLinear mixed models showed no predictor or moderator effects for the CTQ total score (all p > .58) but revealed a moderator effect for ‘sexual abuse’ on the reduction of depressive symptoms (β = 10.98, SE = 4.48, p = .015) indicating that patients with experiences of childhood sexual abuse benefited more from BA. There also was a predictor effect for ‘physical neglect’ (β = −3.35, SE = 1.70, p = .049): patients without the experience of physical neglect benefited more from treatment regardless of condition. Exploratory analyses indicated no predictor or moderator effects for the onset or persistence of depression, comorbid anxiety disorders or Cluster-C PDs (all p > .28). LimitationsLimitations include small sample sizes for some of the subsamples. ConclusionChildhood sexual abuse seems to moderate treatment effectiveness in a sample of severely affected outpatients with MDD treated with MCT or BA. If confirmed in further trials, a history of sexual abuse might guide the choice between MCT and BA. Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register DRKS-ID: DRKS00011536 (retrospectively registered on February 13, 2017, without changes to the study protocol).

Risk factors related to the mental health issues of selected South African adolescent learners living with mild to moderate intellectual difficulties

PurposeThe risk factors related to the mental health issues of adolescents diagnosed with mild to moderate intellectual difficulties (MMID) are not consistently recognised in South Africa. This paper aims to address the scarcity of literature by examining the risk factors linked to the mental health issues of adolescents with MMID.Design/methodology/approachFour hundred and fourteen participants were sampled from adolescent learners attending three special educational needs schools in Gauteng, South Africa. The selected sample included 275 male and 139 female participants with a median age of 16.5 years. The three schools represented Grade 8 with 177 learners and Grade 9 with 237 learners. Data were collected through a biographical questionnaire and an Adverse Child Experiences Questionnaire. A quantitative approach was used to identify the risk factors impacting the mental health of adolescents with MMID. The findings were used to propose intervention programmes for the support of adolescents diagnosed with MMID.FindingsThe findings suggest that risk factors for mental health difficulties issues among adolescents with MMID include family dysfunction, along with experiences of physical, sexual and verbal abuse as well as emotional and physical neglect. The recommendations stemming from the findings advocate empowering teachers, parents and caregivers to provide support for the mental health of learners with MMID.Originality/valueThe study makes a valuable contribution to reducing the existing gap in the literature regarding risk factors impacting the mental health of adolescents with MMID in South Africa. The study served as a platform for adolescents diagnosed with MMID to articulate their challenges. This cohort is occasionally marginalised and this research acts as an active contribution to research that focuses on their experiences. Their insights are crucial for enhancing intervention programmes and promoting their overall well-being.

SUICIDE IDEATION: GENDER AND VARIATION OF CORRELATES AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN NYANZA REGION, KENYA

The prevalence of suicide behavior among university students has been an issue of great concern because of its upward trend. This paper examines suicide ideation in relation to gender and the variation of correlates in different universities among university students in the Nyanza region, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to determine gender differences in relation to suicide ideation and how the correlates vary among individual universities. A correlational research design was employed. Four public universities and university counselors were selected using purposive sampling. Stratified sampling was thereafter employed to select undergraduate students based on their year of study. A sample size table developed by Krejcie and Morgan (1970) was used to select 1477 undergraduate students randomly. Data collection instruments included: a student questionnaire, interview schedule and counseling records. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS V20). Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used and thereafter, quantitative data was analyzed using chi-square and ANOVA. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. The findings revealed gender differences in relation to suicide ideation. The findings further revealed that there is variation in sexual abuse, romantic breakup, COVID-19, alcohol addiction, HIV/AIDS, elections and cyber suicide experiences across the universities. However, there is no variation in financial crisis across universities. The study recommends that the university counseling department should equip female students with skills on how to adjust to campus lifestyle without engaging in activities which might end up stressing them. The university should also develop prevention strategies as well as organize follow-up for suicide survivors.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/soc/0010/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

The role of information and communication technologies in disclosing and reporting sexual assault among young adults: A systematic review

AbstractAs survivors have complex and varied motivations for disclosing sexual assault, information and communication technologies (ICTs) can offer unique affordances that either facilitate or hinder sexual assault disclosures. In response, this systematic review draws connections between the functions of sexual assault disclosures and how ICT design choices can impact the sexual assault disclosure process. Findings from 23 empirical studies indicate that platform affordances can facilitate sexual assault survivors' motivations of visibility, naming sexual assault experiences, anonymity, and destigmatizing sexual assault. Further, findings categorize ICT‐based sexual assault disclosure within three frames: disclosure as a linguistic act, disclosure as a reciprocal act, and disclosure as a cultural response. In turn, findings from this systematic review reveal a need for a better understanding of how ICTs function as counter‐discursive information spaces and identify important considerations for redesigning ICTs to allow for sexual assault disclosure work to flourish.