ABSTRACT

Involvement of a child or adolescent in a sexual activity is a global public health challenge. This cross-sectional study documented experiences of sexual abuse (SA) among Female Adolescent Hawkers (FAHs) in selected markets in Ibadan, Nigeria. Data were collected from 410 FAHs using interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, chi-square and logistic regression were used to analyze the data at p < .05 significance level. Mean age of respondents was 14.4 ± 1.76 years. The majority (69.0%) have ever experienced at least a form of SA, of which 68.3% occurred 3 months preceding the study. Having had sex and boyfriends were predictors of SA. Male customers (98.6%), traders (98.2%) and peers (69.4%) were major perpetrators. About 67.5% of victims of SA did not seek help. Sexual abuse is a major problem among FAHs. Age-appropriate sexuality education and life-building skills interventions should be targeted at FAHs while advocacy is recommended for caregivers and market stakeholders.

摘要

儿童或青少年参与性活动是一项全球公共卫生挑战。这项横断面研究记录了尼日利亚伊巴丹选定市场中女性青少年小贩 (FAH) 的性虐待 (SA) 经历。使用访调员管理的问卷从 410 名 FAH 收集数据。描述性统计、卡方和逻辑回归用于分析p处的数据< .05 显着性水平。受访者的平均年龄为 14.4 ± 1.76 岁。大多数 (69.0%) 至少经历过某种形式的 SA，其中 68.3% 发生在研究前 3 个月。有过性行为和男朋友是 SA 的预测因素。男性客户 (98.6%)、贸易商 (98.2%) 和同行 (69.4%) 是主要肇事者。大约 67.5% 的 SA 受害者没有寻求帮助。性虐待是 FAH 中的一个主要问题。适合年龄的性教育和生活建设技能干预措施应针对 FAH，同时建议对护理人员和市场利益相关者进行宣传。