Determinants of Sexual Abuse among Adolescents in Public Senior Secondary Schools in Gwagwalada Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

Determinants of Sexual Abuse among Adolescents in Public Senior Secondary Schools in Gwagwalada Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Determinants of Sexual Abuse among Adolescents in Public Senior Secondary Schools in Gwagwalada Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria Raymond Onovo This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-8647392/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 11 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background: Sexual abuse of adolescents is a major public health and human rights concern with profound physical, psychological, and social consequences. Adolescents in school settings are particularly vulnerable due to their developmental stage and social environments. Understanding the determinants of sexual abuse is critical for designing effective prevention strategies. This study assessed the determinants of sexual abuse among adolescents attending public senior secondary schools in Gwagwalada Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria. Methods: A school-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2025 among 270 adolescents selected using a multistage sampling technique from public senior secondary schools in Gwagwalada. Data were collected using a pretested, structured, self-administered questionnaire. Sexual abuse was assessed as the dependent variable, while socio-demographic, family-related, and social factors were explored as independent variables. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Bivariate analysis was conducted using chi-square tests, and variables with p-values < 0.05 were entered into multivariate logistic regression to identify independent determinants of sexual abuse. Results: Sexual abuse was reported by 38.9% of respondents. At the bivariate level, age group, class level, living arrangement, parental education, parental occupation, and perceived stigma were significantly associated with sexual abuse (p 1). Father’s occupation and perceived stigma were also independent predictors of sexual abuse. Adolescents who perceived stigma related to sexual abuse were more likely to report having experienced abuse. Conclusion: Sexual abuse among adolescents in Gwagwalada is strongly influenced by family structure, parental socioeconomic factors, and stigma. Interventions aimed at strengthening family support systems, reducing stigma, and improving parental supervision are essential to reduce adolescents’ vulnerability to sexual abuse. Sexual abuse Adolescents Determinants Secondary schools Nigeria 1.0 Introduction Sexual abuse of adolescents remains a critical public health problem worldwide, with devastating short- and long-term consequences on physical, emotional, psychological, and social well-being. 1 Adolescents are defined as young people between the ages of 10 and 19 years old. 2 At this age, they have limited knowledge about the natural processes of puberty, sexual health, pregnancy or reproduction. 3 , 4 It is known to be the time for rapid development of knowledge and skills, learning to manage emotions, relationships, acquire attributes and abilities that will be necessary for enjoying the adolescent years and assuming adult roles. 5 Adolescents are especially at risk worldwide, accounting for one-third of all new HIV infections, high rates of violence, early marriage, and lower school enrollment and attendance rates than primary school students. 6 Globally, it is estimated that approximately 18% of girls and 8% of boys experience some form of sexual abuse before the age of 18. 3 In sub-Saharan Africa, prevalence rates are often higher due to socioeconomic inequalities, gender norms, weak child protection systems, and underreporting. 4 In Nigeria, studies have consistently reported alarming levels of sexual abuse among children and adolescents, particularly within school and community settings. 7 Despite the existence of protective laws such as the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, sexual abuse remains widespread and underreported. 6 The true burden of CSA in Nigeria remains unknown and difficult to determine as most available data are collected through social media and cases presented at hospitals. 8 Identifying the determinants of sexual abuse is essential for effective prevention. Previous studies have shown that factors such as age, gender, family structure, parental education and occupation, peer influence, and social stigma play significant roles in adolescents’ vulnerability to sexual abuse. 9 However, there is limited empirical evidence on the determinants of adolescent sexual abuse in North-Central Nigeria, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory. This study therefore aimed to identify the determinants of sexual abuse among adolescents attending public senior secondary schools in Gwagwalada Area Council, FCT-Abuja, using an ecological public health perspective. 2.0 Methods 2.1 Study Design and Setting This was a school-based analytical cross-sectional study conducted in Gwagwalada Area Council, one of the six area councils in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Gwagwalada is a rapidly growing semi-urban area with a diverse population and several public secondary schools. 2.2 Study Population The study population comprised adolescents aged 10–19 years enrolled in public senior secondary schools (SSS 1–3) in Gwagwalada Area Council during the study period. 2.3 Sample Size and Sampling Technique A sample size of 270 adolescents was used. A multistage sampling technique was employed: Selection of public senior secondary schools by simple random sampling Proportional allocation of respondents to selected schools Systematic random sampling of eligible students within schools 2.4 Data Collection Instrument Data were collected using a researcher-developed semi-structured questionnaire designed specifically for this study after an extensive review of relevant literature on adolescent sexual abuse. The questionnaire assessed socio-demographic characteristics, Prevalence Pattern and consequences of sexual abuse. The questionnaire was pretested among adolescents in a public senior secondary school outside the Gwagwalada area council to assess clarity, relevance, and comprehension. Necessary modifications were made based on feedback. Variables Dependent variable : Experience of sexual abuse (Yes/No) Independent variables : Age, sex, class level, living arrangement, parental education, parental occupation, and perceived stigma 2.5 Data Analysis Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize variables. Chi-square tests were used to assess associations between sexual abuse and independent variables. Variables with p-values < 0.05 were entered into a multivariate logistic regression model to identify independent determinants of sexual abuse. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. 3.0 Results A total of 270 students from 5 public senior secondary schools in gwagwalada were sampled Table 3.0 Sociodemographic characteristics of respondents Variable Frequency (n = 270) Percentage (%) Sex Male 127 47.0 Female 143 53.0 Age group (years) 10–14 114 42.2 15–19 156 57.8 Class SS 1 83 30.7 SS 2 117 43.3 SS 3 70 25.9 Tribe Igbo 68 25.2 Hausa 44 16.3 Yoruba 70 25.9 Others(Gbagyi, Bassa) 88 32.6 Live with Both parents 156 57.8 One parent 54 20.0 Relatives 39 14.4 Others(Guidiance,Friends) 21 7.8 Mother’s education level No formal education 21 7.8 Primary level of education 51 18.9 Secondary level of education 71 26.3 Tertiary level of education 127 47.0 Father’s education level No formal education 20 7.4 Primary level of education 32 11.9 Secondary level of education 53 19.6 Tertiary level of education 165 61.1 Mother’s occupation Civil servant 97 35.9 Farmer 37 13.7 Business 110 40.7 Housewife 21 7.8 Unemployed 5 1.9 Father’s occupation Civil servant 121 44.8 Farmer 46 17.0 Business 94 34.8 Unemployed 6 2.2 Handwork(Unskilled labour) 3 1.1 Mean of Age in years as last birthday = 15 +/- 1.7 Minimum age = 10 Maximum age = 19 Mean of Age at first abuse = 5 +/- 4.1 Minimum of age at first abuse = 2 Maximum of age at first abuse = 14 Table 3.0 Majority (53.0%) of respondents were females in SS2 (43.3%), live with both parents (57.8%) and within the age group of 15–19 years (57.8%) respectively. Tertiary education was the highest academic level achieved by the fathers 165 (61.1%) and mothers 127 (47%). Father’s occupation were mainly civil servants 121 (44.8%) and mother’s occupation were mainly business 110 (40.7%). 3.1 Prevalence of child sexual abuse among secondary school students in Gwagwalada Table 3.1 prevalence of adolescent sexual abuse among participants Variable Frequency (n = 270) Percentage (%) Sexually abused before Yes 105 38.9 No 165 61.1 If yes, indicate how many times Once 40 14.8 Twice 29 10.7 Three times 16 5.9 Four times 6 2.2 Five times 14 5.2 Not applicable 165 61.1 Child Sexual Abuse with physical contact but without penetration Touched against will with sexual intention 32 11.9 Forced to kiss someone 40 14.8 Forced penetration with finger, someone tried to but did not succeed 19 7.0 Forced vaginal intercourse against will, someone tried but did not succeed 8 3.0 Forced anal intercourse, someone tried to but did not succeed 3 1.1 Forced oral intercourse, someone tried to but did not succeed 1 .4 Forced into prostitution 2 0.7 Not Exposed 165 61.1 Table 3.1 illustrates prevalence of Child sexual abuse, out of a total of 270 respondents, 105 (38.9%) were abused and majority of them were abused once 40 (14.8%). For those that were sexually abused with physical contact but without penetration, 40 (14.8%) of them experienced been forced to kiss someone. Bivariate Analysis of Determinants Table 3.2 Binary Logistic Regression of Determinants of Sexual Abuse Exp(B) (cOR) p-value 95% C.I Constant 1.499 0.637 Class (SS1) 0.657 0.014* 0.471–0.918 Live with (Others) 1.633 < 0.001* 1.264–2.110 Mother’s level of education (Primary) 0.709 0.007* 0.551–0.911 Mother’s occupation (Housewife) 1.079 0.506 0.862–1.353 Father’s occupation (Unemployed) 1.450 0.004* 1.128–1.864 Noticed any stigma or discrimination (Yes) 0.519 < 0.001* 0.361–0.764 cOR: Crude Odds Ratio The Table 3.2 highlights result from logistic regression analysis. Adolescents who lived with non-parents/others had significantly higher odds of experiencing sexual abuse (cOR = 1.633, p < 0.001), demonstrating that non-parental living arrangements increase vulnerability. adolescents whose fathers were unemployed had significantly higher odds of experiencing sexual abuse (cOR = 1.450, p = 0.004), indicating that paternal unemployment increases risk. Finally, those who reported experiencing stigma or discrimination were significantly less likely to have experienced sexual abuse (cOR = 0.519, p < 0.001), which may reflect underreporting or avoidance of risky situations. Overall, living arrangement, father’s occupation, and history of stigma/discrimination emerged as important determinants of sexual abuse among adolescents. This result was found to be statistically significant. 3.3 Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis Table 3.3 Multivariate Logistic Regression of Determinants of Sexual Abuse Exp(B) (aOR) p-value 95% C.I Constant 1.499 0.637 Class (SS1) 0.732 0.094 0.508–1.055 Live with? (Others) 1.617 0.001* 1.215–2.152 Mother’s level of education (Primary) 0.882 0.394 0.660–1.178 Mother’s occupation (Housewife) 0.938 0.634 0.722–1.219 Father’s occupation (Unemployed) 1.437 0.012* 1.083–1.908 Noticed any stigma or discrimination (Yes) 0.519 0.001* 0.356–0.758 aOR: Adjusted Odds Ratio Table 3.3 , Multivariate logistic regression model identified a few independent determinants of sexual abuse after adjusting for potential confounders. Adolescents who lived with non-parents/others had significantly higher odds of experiencing sexual abuse (aOR = 1.617, p = 0.001), indicating that living outside the parental home remains a strong risk factor even after adjustment. Similarly, respondents whose fathers were unemployed had significantly increased odds of sexual abuse (aOR = 1.437, p = 0.012), suggesting that household economic vulnerability may heighten exposure to abusive situations. In contrast, adolescents who reported experiencing stigma or discrimination were significantly less likely to have experienced sexual abuse (aOR = 0.519, p = 0.001). This inverse association may indicate underreporting, heightened caution, or behavioral withdrawal following stigmatizing experiences. 4.0 Discussion The prevalence of adolescent sexual abuse in this study was high (38.9%). This was similar with reports from other studies done in North-central Nigeria, South-East Nigeria, South-South Nigeria and China where the prevalence rates were 53.3%, 35.7%, 51.7% and 16.7%, respectively 10, 11, 12, 13 . In contrast, a much lower prevalence rate of 0.06%, 16.5 % and 12.5% were found in studies done in North-West Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya, respectively 14, 15, 16 . This low prevalence rates can be attributed to different methodologies like the study area and the age of the study population 17, 18 . These various discrepancies in the prevalence rates may be attributed to social and cultural variations found across different geographical zones in the world which can exhibit positive differences in incidence or are affected by how the disclosure and reporting of cases are understood in various cultures. 17 Bivariate analysis revealed a significant association between class, who the victim lives with, mother’s education and father’s occupation with the prevalence of child sexual abuse (CSA). It is important to recognize that in bivariate analysis, P-values and crude odds ratio are obtained which have not taken into cognizance, confounding variables. I can only generate predictors from only multivariable analysis (logistic regression) that takes care of variables that may be confounding the true association between an exposure and an outcome. There was a significant association between class and prevalence of CSA on bivariate analysis. Students in high senior secondary classes are particularly vulnerable as a result of their ages and the stage of adolescence that they are undergoing and tend to be more adventurous especially in the absence of parental monitoring and supervision. This is made worse by the societal norms, pressures and weak policies that propagate the weak nature and sexual inferiority of the girl child. 19 Students in SSS1 are trying to settle down after undergoing external junior secondary school examinations to get into SSS1 while SSS2 usually have more time than those in SSS1 and SSS3. SSS3 on the other hand are busy preparing for their senior school certificate examinations as well as their university entrance examinations. There was no other study found to have any similar finding to this study in terms of class level and its association with CSA. More research maybe needed in this area. On multivariate logistic regression, living arrangements, Father's Unemployment Status and Stigma were found to be the only significant determinants of CSA. Adolescents not residing with both parents were found to be at a higher risk of experiencing CSA. This finding aligns with previous research indicating that children living with single parents, relatives, or in non-traditional family settings are more susceptible to abuse. The absence of one or both parents may lead to reduced supervision and protection, creating opportunities for potential abusers. A study conducted in South Western Nigeria reported that 10.6% of adolescents did not live with their parents or guardians, and these adolescents were among those who experienced CSA. 19 The study revealed a significant association between a father's unemployment and the incidence of CSA. Economic hardship resulting from unemployment can lead to familial stress and dysfunction, potentially increasing the risk of abuse. Financial instability may also compel families to make living arrangements that inadvertently expose children to abusers. While specific studies directly linking paternal unemployment to CSA in Nigeria are limited, broader research indicates that socio-economic challenges, such as chronic unemployment, are associated with various forms of child abuse and exploitation. Stigma surrounding CSA emerged as a significant factor influencing both the occurrence and reporting of abuse. Cultural and societal stigmatization can deter victims from disclosing incidents due to fear of blame, shame, or social ostracism. This underreporting perpetuates a cycle of abuse, as perpetrators remain unidentified and unpunished. In South Western Nigeria, a study found that only 34.4% of CSA victims disclosed their abuse, often due to fear of stigma and disbelief. 20 4.1 Limitations The cross-sectional design limits causal inference. Self-reported data may be subject to recall bias and underreporting due to the sensitive nature of sexual abuse. However, anonymity and confidentiality were emphasized to minimize these biases. Conclusion Sexual abuse among adolescents in Gwagwalada is influenced by family structure, parental socioeconomic factors, and social stigma. Addressing these determinants is essential for reducing adolescents’ vulnerability to sexual abuse. 4.3 Recommendations 1.Strengthen parental supervision and family support systems 2. Implement school-based child protection and counseling services 3. Promote stigma reduction through community and school sensitization 4. Strengthen enforcement of child protection laws Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Health Research Ethics Committee of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Nigeria. The study was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki . Written informed consent was obtained from parents and legal guardians of all participating adolescents, and written assent was obtained from the adolescents prior to participation. Participation was voluntary, and confidentiality and anonymity of all respondents were strictly maintained throughout the study. Consent for publication Not Applicable Competing interests I hereby declare that there is no conflict of interest in this study Funding Self Author Contribution Raymond Onovo RO did the whole work from conceptualization to the completed work Acknowledgements I give God all thanks for his mercy and guidance throughout this manuscript writing. My appreciation goes to the head of Department, Dr. Nonye Bibiana Egenti and my loving family for their immense support, this work would not have been possible without them. 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Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26224720/ National Population Commission (NPC) Nigeria and ICF (2019) Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey 2018 Key Indicators Report. NPC and ICF, Abuja and Rockville. - References - Scientific Research Publishing [Internet]. [cited 2025 Jul 8]. Available from: https://www.scirp.org/reference/referencespapers?referenceid=3241515 Ifayomi M, Ali P, Ellis K. Child Sexual Abuse in Nigeria: A Systematic Review. JSM Sex Med [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2025 Jul 8];7(4):1–12. Available from: https://www.jscimedcentral.com/article/Child-Sexual-Abuse-in-Nigeria:-A-Systematic-Review Olugbenga-Bello AI, Jegede OS, Ijitade G, Aderinto N, Olajide AO. Prevalence, Pattern, and Perception of Female Undergraduates about Sexual Harassment in a Tertiary Institution in Southwestern Nigeria: An Evaluation of the National Bill on Sexual Harassment. Niger J Med [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2024 Jun 2];32(4):369–74. 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Owusu-Addo E, Owusu-Addo SB, Bennor DM, Mensah-Odum N, Deliege A, Bansal A, et al. Prevalence and determinants of sexual abuse among adolescent girls during the COVID-19 lockdown and school closures in Ghana: A mixed method study. Child Abuse Negl [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2024 May 22];135:105997. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105997 Balogon FM, Adenoworon OE.Prevalence and pattern of child sexual abuse: A cross-sectional study among male secondary school adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria. 2020; World Health Organization. Global Accelerated Action for the Health of Adolescents (AA-HA!): guidance to support country implementation. Summary. Who [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2025 Jun 6];44. Available from: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/255415/9;jsessionid=B309C8C56E5EEFA24FA2F606422AB847?sequence=1 Barth J, Bermetz L, Heim E, Trelle S, Tonia T. The current prevalence of child sexual abuse worldwide: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Public Health [Internet]. 2013 Nov 21 [cited 2024 Jun 2];58(3):469–83. Available from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00038-012-0426-1 David N, Ezechi O, Wapmuk A, Gbajabiamila T, Ohihoin A, Herbertson E, et al. Child sexual abuse and disclosure in South Western Nigeria: a community based study. Afr Health Sci [Internet]. 2018 Jun 1 [cited 2025 Feb 15];18(2):199. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6306988/ Campbell JC, Sabri B, Budhathoki C, Kaufman MR, Alhusen J, Decker MR. Unwanted Sexual Acts Among University Students: Correlates of Victimization and Perpetration. J Interpers Violence [Internet]. 2021 Jan 1 [cited 2024 Jun 17];36(1–2):NP504–26. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260517734221 Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. 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old.\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e At this age, they have limited knowledge about the natural processes of puberty, sexual health, pregnancy or reproduction.\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e It is known to be the time for rapid development of knowledge and skills, learning to manage emotions, relationships, acquire attributes and abilities that will be necessary for enjoying the adolescent years and assuming adult roles.\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e Adolescents are especially at risk worldwide, accounting for one-third of all new HIV infections, high rates of violence, early marriage, and lower school enrollment and attendance rates than primary school students.\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e Globally, it is estimated that approximately 18% of girls and 8% of boys experience some form of sexual abuse before the age of 18.\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e In sub-Saharan Africa, prevalence rates are often higher due to socioeconomic inequalities, gender norms, weak child protection systems, and underreporting.\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e In Nigeria, studies have consistently reported alarming levels of sexual abuse among children and adolescents, particularly within school and community settings.\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e Despite the existence of protective laws such as the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, sexual abuse remains widespread and underreported.\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e The true burden of CSA in Nigeria remains unknown and difficult to determine as most available data are collected through social media and cases presented at hospitals.\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIdentifying the determinants of sexual abuse is essential for effective prevention. Previous studies have shown that factors such as age, gender, family structure, parental education and occupation, peer influence, and social stigma play significant roles in adolescents\u0026rsquo; vulnerability to sexual abuse.\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e However, there is limited empirical evidence on the determinants of adolescent sexual abuse in North-Central Nigeria, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study therefore aimed to identify the determinants of sexual abuse among adolescents attending public senior secondary schools in Gwagwalada Area Council, FCT-Abuja, using an ecological public health perspective.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2.0 Methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.1 Study Design and Setting\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis was a school-based analytical cross-sectional study conducted in Gwagwalada Area Council, one of the six area councils in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Gwagwalada is a rapidly growing semi-urban area with a diverse population and several public secondary schools.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2 Study Population\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study population comprised adolescents aged 10\u0026ndash;19 years enrolled in public senior secondary schools (SSS 1\u0026ndash;3) in Gwagwalada Area Council during the study period.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3 Sample Size and Sampling Technique\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA sample size of 270 adolescents was used. A multistage sampling technique was employed:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003col\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eSelection of public senior secondary schools by simple random sampling\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eProportional allocation of respondents to selected schools\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eSystematic random sampling of eligible students within schools\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u003c/ol\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.4 Data Collection Instrument\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eData were collected using a \u003cem\u003eresearcher-developed semi-structured questionnaire\u003c/em\u003e designed specifically for this study after an extensive review of relevant literature on adolescent sexual abuse. The questionnaire assessed socio-demographic characteristics, Prevalence Pattern and consequences of sexual abuse. The questionnaire was pretested among adolescents in a public senior secondary school outside the Gwagwalada area council to assess clarity, relevance, and comprehension. Necessary modifications were made based on feedback.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eVariables\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eDependent variable\u003c/b\u003e: Experience of sexual abuse (Yes/No)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eIndependent variables\u003c/b\u003e: Age, sex, class level, living arrangement, parental education, parental occupation, and perceived stigma\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.5 Data Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eData were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize variables. Chi-square tests were used to assess associations between sexual abuse and independent variables. Variables with p-values\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05 were entered into a multivariate logistic regression model to identify independent determinants of sexual abuse. Statistical significance was set at p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3.0 Results","content":"\u003cp\u003eA total of 270 students from 5 public senior secondary schools in gwagwalada were sampled\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3.0\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSociodemographic characteristics of respondents\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrequency (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;270)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePercentage (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSex\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e127\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e47.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e143\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e53.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAge group (years)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u0026ndash;14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e114\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e42.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15\u0026ndash;19\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e156\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e57.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eClass\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSS 1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e83\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSS 2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e117\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSS 3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTribe\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIgbo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e68\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHausa\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e44\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYoruba\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOthers(Gbagyi, Bassa)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e88\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLive with\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBoth parents\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e156\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e57.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOne parent\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e54\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRelatives\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOthers(Guidiance,Friends)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMother\u0026rsquo;s education level\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo formal education\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrimary level of education\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e51\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSecondary level of education\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e71\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTertiary level of education\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e127\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e47.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFather\u0026rsquo;s education level\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo formal education\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrimary level of education\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSecondary level of education\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e53\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTertiary level of education\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e165\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e61.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMother\u0026rsquo;s occupation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCivil servant\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e97\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFarmer\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e37\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBusiness\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e110\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHousewife\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnemployed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFather\u0026rsquo;s occupation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCivil servant\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e121\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e44.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFarmer\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e46\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBusiness\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e94\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e34.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnemployed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHandwork(Unskilled labour)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMean of Age in years as last birthday\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;15 +/- 1.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMinimum age\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;10\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaximum age\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;19\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMean of Age at first abuse\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;5 +/- 4.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMinimum of age at first abuse\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaximum of age at first abuse\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;14\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3.0\u003c/span\u003e Majority (53.0%) of respondents were females in SS2 (43.3%), live with both parents (57.8%) and within the age group of 15\u0026ndash;19 years (57.8%) respectively. Tertiary education was the highest academic level achieved by the fathers 165 (61.1%) and mothers 127 (47%). Father\u0026rsquo;s occupation were mainly civil servants 121 (44.8%) and mother\u0026rsquo;s occupation were mainly business 110 (40.7%).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003e3.1 Prevalence of child sexual abuse among secondary school students in Gwagwalada\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3.1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eprevalence of adolescent sexual abuse among participants\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrequency (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;270)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePercentage (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSexually abused before\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e105\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e165\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e61.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIf yes, indicate how many times\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOnce\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTwice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThree times\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFour times\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFive times\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e165\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e61.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eChild Sexual Abuse with physical contact but without penetration\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTouched against will with sexual intention\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eForced to kiss someone\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eForced penetration with finger, someone tried to but did not succeed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eForced vaginal intercourse against will, someone tried but did not succeed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eForced anal intercourse, someone tried to but did not succeed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eForced oral intercourse, someone tried to but did not succeed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eForced into prostitution\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot Exposed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e165\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e61.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3.1\u003c/span\u003e illustrates prevalence of Child sexual abuse, out of a total of 270 respondents, 105 (38.9%) were abused and majority of them were abused once 40 (14.8%). For those that were sexually abused with physical contact but without penetration, 40 (14.8%) of them experienced been forced to kiss someone.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eBivariate Analysis of Determinants\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3.2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBinary Logistic Regression of Determinants of Sexual Abuse\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eExp(B) (cOR)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep-value\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e95% C.I\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eConstant\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.499\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e0.637\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eClass (SS1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.657\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e0.014*\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.471\u0026ndash;0.918\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLive with (Others)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.633\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001*\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.264\u0026ndash;2.110\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMother\u0026rsquo;s level of education (Primary)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.709\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e0.007*\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.551\u0026ndash;0.911\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMother\u0026rsquo;s occupation (Housewife)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.079\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e0.506\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.862\u0026ndash;1.353\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFather\u0026rsquo;s occupation (Unemployed)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.450\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e0.004*\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.128\u0026ndash;1.864\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNoticed any stigma or discrimination (Yes)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.519\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001*\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.361\u0026ndash;0.764\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ecOR: Crude Odds Ratio\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Table \u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3.2\u003c/span\u003e highlights result from logistic regression analysis. Adolescents who lived with non-parents/others had significantly higher odds of experiencing sexual abuse (cOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.633, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001), demonstrating that non-parental living arrangements increase vulnerability. adolescents whose fathers were unemployed had significantly higher odds of experiencing sexual abuse (cOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.450, p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.004), indicating that paternal unemployment increases risk. Finally, those who reported experiencing stigma or discrimination were significantly less likely to have experienced sexual abuse (cOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.519, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001), which may reflect underreporting or avoidance of risky situations. Overall, living arrangement, father\u0026rsquo;s occupation, and history of stigma/discrimination emerged as important determinants of sexual abuse among adolescents. This result was found to be statistically significant.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.3 Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3.3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMultivariate Logistic Regression of Determinants of Sexual Abuse\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eExp(B) (aOR)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep-value\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e95% C.I\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eConstant\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.499\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e0.637\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eClass (SS1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.732\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e0.094\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.508\u0026ndash;1.055\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLive with? (Others)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.617\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e0.001*\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.215\u0026ndash;2.152\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMother\u0026rsquo;s level of education (Primary)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.882\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e0.394\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.660\u0026ndash;1.178\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMother\u0026rsquo;s occupation (Housewife)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.938\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e0.634\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.722\u0026ndash;1.219\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFather\u0026rsquo;s occupation (Unemployed)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.437\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e0.012*\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.083\u0026ndash;1.908\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNoticed any stigma or discrimination (Yes)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.519\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e0.001*\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.356\u0026ndash;0.758\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eaOR: Adjusted Odds Ratio\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3.3\u003c/span\u003e, Multivariate logistic regression model identified a few independent determinants of sexual abuse after adjusting for potential confounders. Adolescents who lived with non-parents/others had significantly higher odds of experiencing sexual abuse (aOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.617, p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.001), indicating that living outside the parental home remains a strong risk factor even after adjustment. Similarly, respondents whose fathers were unemployed had significantly increased odds of sexual abuse (aOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.437, p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.012), suggesting that household economic vulnerability may heighten exposure to abusive situations. In contrast, adolescents who reported experiencing stigma or discrimination were significantly \u003cem\u003eless likely\u003c/em\u003e to have experienced sexual abuse (aOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.519, p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.001). This inverse association may indicate underreporting, heightened caution, or behavioral withdrawal following stigmatizing experiences.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4.0 Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe prevalence of adolescent sexual abuse in this study was high (38.9%). This was similar with reports from other studies done in North-central Nigeria, South-East Nigeria, South-South Nigeria and China where the prevalence rates were 53.3%, 35.7%, 51.7% and 16.7%, respectively\u003csup\u003e\u0026nbsp;10, 11, 12, 13\u003c/sup\u003e. In contrast, a much lower prevalence rate of 0.06%, 16.5 % and 12.5% were found in studies done in North-West Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya, respectively \u003csup\u003e14, 15, 16\u003c/sup\u003e. This low prevalence rates can be attributed to different methodologies like the study area and the age of the study population \u003csup\u003e17, 18\u003c/sup\u003e. These various discrepancies in the prevalence rates may be attributed to social and cultural variations found across different geographical zones in the world which can exhibit positive differences in incidence or are affected by how the disclosure and reporting of cases are understood in various cultures.\u003csup\u003e17\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBivariate analysis revealed a significant association between class, who the victim lives with, mother’s education and father’s occupation with the prevalence of child sexual abuse (CSA).\u0026nbsp;It is important to recognize that in bivariate analysis, P-values and crude odds ratio are obtained which have not taken into cognizance, confounding variables.\u0026nbsp;I can only generate predictors from only multivariable analysis (logistic regression) that takes care of variables that may be confounding the true association between an exposure and an outcome. There was a significant association between class and prevalence of CSA on bivariate analysis. Students in high senior secondary classes are particularly vulnerable as a result of their ages and the stage of adolescence that they are undergoing and tend to be more adventurous especially in the absence of parental monitoring and supervision. This is made worse by the societal norms, pressures and weak policies that propagate the weak nature and sexual inferiority of the girl child.\u003csup\u003e19\u003c/sup\u003e Students in SSS1 are trying to settle down after undergoing external junior secondary school examinations to get into SSS1 while SSS2 usually have more time than those in SSS1 and SSS3. SSS3 on the other hand are busy preparing for their senior school certificate examinations as well as their university entrance examinations. There was no other study found to have any similar finding to this study in terms of class level and its association with CSA. More research maybe needed in this area.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn multivariate logistic regression, living arrangements, Father's Unemployment Status and Stigma were found to be the only significant determinants of CSA. Adolescents not residing with both parents were found to be at a higher risk of experiencing CSA. This finding aligns with previous research indicating that children living with single parents, relatives, or in non-traditional family settings are more susceptible to abuse. The absence of one or both parents may lead to reduced supervision and protection, creating opportunities for potential abusers. A study conducted in South Western Nigeria reported that 10.6% of adolescents did not live with their parents or guardians, and these adolescents were among those who experienced CSA.\u003csup\u003e19\u003c/sup\u003e The study revealed a significant association between a father's unemployment and the incidence of CSA. Economic hardship resulting from unemployment can lead to familial stress and dysfunction, potentially increasing the risk of abuse. Financial instability may also compel families to make living arrangements that inadvertently expose children to abusers. While specific studies directly linking paternal unemployment to CSA in Nigeria are limited, broader research indicates that socio-economic challenges, such as chronic unemployment, are associated with various forms of child abuse and exploitation. Stigma surrounding CSA emerged as a significant factor influencing both the occurrence and reporting of abuse. Cultural and societal stigmatization can deter victims from disclosing incidents due to fear of blame, shame, or social ostracism. This underreporting perpetuates a cycle of abuse, as perpetrators remain unidentified and unpunished. In South Western Nigeria, a study found that only 34.4% of CSA victims disclosed their abuse, often due to fear of stigma and disbelief.\u003csup\u003e20\u003c/sup\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4.1 Limitations\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cross-sectional design limits causal inference. Self-reported data may be subject to recall bias and underreporting due to the sensitive nature of sexual abuse. However, anonymity and confidentiality were emphasized to minimize these biases.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eSexual abuse among adolescents in Gwagwalada is influenced by family structure, parental socioeconomic factors, and social stigma. Addressing these determinants is essential for reducing adolescents’ vulnerability to sexual abuse.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4.3 Recommendations\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.Strengthen parental supervision and family support systems\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2. Implement school-based child protection and counseling services\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3. Promote stigma reduction through community and school sensitization\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4. Strengthen enforcement of child protection laws\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003e Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Health Research Ethics Committee of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Nigeria. The study was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles of the \u003cb\u003eDeclaration of Helsinki\u003c/b\u003e. Written informed consent was obtained from parents and legal guardians of all participating adolescents, and written assent was obtained from the adolescents prior to participation. Participation was voluntary, and confidentiality and anonymity of all respondents were strictly maintained throughout the study.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot Applicable\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003ch2\u003eCompeting interests\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eI hereby declare that there is no conflict of interest in this study\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFunding\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSelf\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eRaymond Onovo RO did the whole work from conceptualization to the completed work\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eI give God all thanks for his mercy and guidance throughout this manuscript writing. My appreciation goes to the head of Department, Dr. Nonye Bibiana Egenti and my loving family for their immense support, this work would not have been possible without them.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eData Availability\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAll data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article [and its supplementary information files].\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eResponding to children and adolescents who have been sexually abused : WHO clinical guidelines. 2017;64.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eChime OH, Orji CJ, Aneke TJ, Nwoke IN. Prevalence, Pattern and Predictors of Child Sexual Abuse Among Senior Secondary School Students in Enugu Metropolis. Malays J Med Sci [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2024 Jun 16];28(4):123. Available from: /pmc/articles/PMC8407794/\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eA familiar face violence in the lives of children and adolescents. https://www.unicef.org/media/48671/file/Violence_in_the_lives_of_children_and_adolescents.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMekonnen BD, Lakew ZH, Melese EB. Prevalence and associated factors of sexual violence experienced by housemaids in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Health [Internet]. 2022 Dec 1 [cited 2025 Jul 8];19(1):1\u0026ndash;13. Available from: https://reproductive-health-journal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12978-022-01470-2\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eWorld Health Organization. Maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health [Internet]. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization; 2020. - Google Search [Internet]. [cited 2025 Feb 19]. \u003cbr/\u003eAvailable from: https://www.google.com/search?q=World+Health+Organization.+Maternal%2C+newborn%2C+child+and+adolescent+health+%5BInternet%5D.+Geneva%2C+\u003cbr/\u003eSwitzerland%3A+World+Health+Organization%3B+2020.\u0026amp;oq=World+Health+Organization.+Maternal%2C+newborn%2C+child+and+adolescent+health+%5BInternet%5D.+Geneva%2C+Switzerland%3A+World+Health+\u003cbr/\u003eOrganization%3B+2020.\u0026amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCDE4NDJqMGo3qAIIsAIB8QUf2opjoXs8QPEFH9qKY6F7PEA\u0026amp;sourceid=chrome\u0026amp;ie=UTF-8\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMeinck F, Cluver LD, Boyes ME. Longitudinal Predictors of Child Sexual Abuse in a Large Community-Based Sample of South African Youth. J Interpers Violence [Internet]. 2017 Sep 1 [cited 2025 Feb 20];32(18):2804\u0026ndash;36. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26224720/\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eNational Population Commission (NPC) Nigeria and ICF (2019) Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey 2018 Key Indicators Report. NPC and ICF, Abuja and Rockville. - References - Scientific Research Publishing [Internet]. [cited 2025 Jul 8]. Available from: https://www.scirp.org/reference/referencespapers?referenceid=3241515\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eIfayomi M, Ali P, Ellis K. Child Sexual Abuse in Nigeria: A Systematic Review. JSM Sex Med [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2025 Jul 8];7(4):1\u0026ndash;12. Available from: https://www.jscimedcentral.com/article/Child-Sexual-Abuse-in-Nigeria:-A-Systematic-Review\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eOlugbenga-Bello AI, Jegede OS, Ijitade G, Aderinto N, Olajide AO. Prevalence, Pattern, and Perception of Female Undergraduates about Sexual Harassment in a Tertiary Institution in Southwestern Nigeria: An Evaluation of the National Bill on Sexual Harassment. Niger J Med [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2024 Jun 2];32(4):369\u0026ndash;74. Available from: https://journals.lww.com/njom/fulltext/2023/32040/prevalence,_pattern,_and_perception_of_female.5.aspx\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eChildren and Teens: Statistics | RAINN [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 13]. Available from: https://www.rainn.org/statistics/children-and-teens\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eNdubueze PN. Patterns of child and adolescent sexual abuse in the era of COVID-19 lockdown in Nigeria. Int J Law, Crime Justice. 2024 Jun 1;77:100671.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eIfayomi M, Ali P, Ellis K. Child Sexual Abuse in Nigeria: A Systematic Review. JSM Sex Med [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2025 Jul 8];7(4):1\u0026ndash;12. Available from: https://www.jscimedcentral.com/article/Child-Sexual-Abuse-in-Nigeria:-A-Systematic-Review\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eThe prevalence of child sexual abuse among Slovak late adolescents [Internet]. [cited 2024 May 28]. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326133049_The_prevalence_of_child_sexual_abuse_among_Slovak_late_adolescents\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eButchart A, Hillis S. INSPIRE : seven strategies for ending violence against children. 2016;104.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eOwusu-Addo E, Owusu-Addo SB, Bennor DM, Mensah-Odum N, Deliege A, Bansal A, et al. Prevalence and determinants of sexual abuse among adolescent girls during the COVID-19 lockdown and school closures in Ghana: A mixed method study. Child Abuse Negl [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2024 May 22];135:105997. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105997\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eBalogon FM, Adenoworon OE.Prevalence and pattern of child sexual abuse: A cross-sectional study among male secondary school adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria. 2020;\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eWorld Health Organization. Global Accelerated Action for the Health of Adolescents (AA-HA!): guidance to support country implementation. Summary. Who [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2025 Jun 6];44. Available from: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/255415/9;jsessionid=B309C8C56E5EEFA24FA2F606422AB847?sequence=1\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eBarth J, Bermetz L, Heim E, Trelle S, Tonia T. The current prevalence of child sexual abuse worldwide: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Public Health [Internet]. 2013 Nov 21 [cited 2024 Jun 2];58(3):469\u0026ndash;83. Available from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00038-012-0426-1\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eDavid N, Ezechi O, Wapmuk A, Gbajabiamila T, Ohihoin A, Herbertson E, et al. Child sexual abuse and disclosure in South Western Nigeria: a community based study. Afr Health Sci [Internet]. 2018 Jun 1 [cited 2025 Feb 15];18(2):199. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6306988/\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eCampbell JC, Sabri B, Budhathoki C, Kaufman MR, Alhusen J, Decker MR. Unwanted Sexual Acts Among University Students: Correlates of Victimization and Perpetration. J Interpers Violence [Internet]. 2021 Jan 1 [cited 2024 Jun 17];36(1\u0026ndash;2):NP504\u0026ndash;26. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260517734221\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-public-health","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"pubh","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Public Health](http://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/pubh/default.aspx","title":"BMC Public Health","twitterHandle":"@BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Sexual abuse, Adolescents, Determinants, Secondary schools, Nigeria","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8647392/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8647392/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003ch2\u003eBackground:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSexual abuse of adolescents is a major public health and human rights concern with profound physical, psychological, and social consequences. Adolescents in school settings are particularly vulnerable due to their developmental stage and social environments. Understanding the determinants of sexual abuse is critical for designing effective prevention strategies. This study assessed the determinants of sexual abuse among adolescents attending public senior secondary schools in Gwagwalada Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMethods:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA school-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2025 among 270 adolescents selected using a multistage sampling technique from public senior secondary schools in Gwagwalada. Data were collected using a pretested, structured, self-administered questionnaire. Sexual abuse was assessed as the dependent variable, while socio-demographic, family-related, and social factors were explored as independent variables. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Bivariate analysis was conducted using chi-square tests, and variables with p-values\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05 were entered into multivariate logistic regression to identify independent determinants of sexual abuse.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eResults:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSexual abuse was reported by 38.9% of respondents. At the bivariate level, age group, class level, living arrangement, parental education, parental occupation, and perceived stigma were significantly associated with sexual abuse (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). On multivariate logistic regression, adolescents who did not live with both parents had significantly higher odds of experiencing sexual abuse (AOR\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;1). Father\u0026rsquo;s occupation and perceived stigma were also independent predictors of sexual abuse. Adolescents who perceived stigma related to sexual abuse were more likely to report having experienced abuse.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConclusion:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSexual abuse among adolescents in Gwagwalada is strongly influenced by family structure, parental socioeconomic factors, and stigma. Interventions aimed at strengthening family support systems, reducing stigma, and improving parental supervision are essential to reduce adolescents\u0026rsquo; vulnerability to sexual abuse.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Determinants of Sexual Abuse among Adolescents in Public Senior Secondary Schools in Gwagwalada Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2026-02-17 18:17:25","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8647392/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"226904638761446527777333294693352718755","date":"2026-02-17T22:38:22+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-02-17T11:57:44+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-02-15T15:11:09+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"15547690975128513432194180366803283916","date":"2026-02-14T17:23:21+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"106149394048087582128035769635807656851","date":"2026-02-12T08:08:57+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"318077747286541767340993710678760956171","date":"2026-02-12T07:55:19+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2026-02-12T07:34:39+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2026-01-29T15:21:12+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"","date":"2026-01-27T14:46:27+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2026-01-24T15:30:33+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"BMC Public Health","date":"2026-01-24T15:18:10+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-public-health","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"pubh","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Public Health](http://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/pubh/default.aspx","title":"BMC Public Health","twitterHandle":"@BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"45b44ee0-e08f-41c7-93f3-f548eaee3842","owner":[],"postedDate":"February 17th, 2026","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-02-17T18:17:25+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2026-02-17 18:17:25","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-8647392","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-8647392","identity":"rs-8647392","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}