Prevalence of physical abuse of children in their homes in Ilorin Nigeria

Abstract

IntroductionChild abuse has deleterious consequences on its victims. Its occurrence is poorly documented in Nigeria.ObjectivesTo determine prevalence and pattern of physical abuse at home among children in Ilorin Nigeria.MethodsCross sectional survey of secondary school students aged 11-18 years in Ilorin Nigeria using multistage random sampling technique with proportional allocation was done. Respondents completed the ICAST-CH questionnaire which covers child abuse in its several forms. Prevalence of child abuse was computed.ResultsTable1: Pattern of physical abuse at home in the last 12 monthsForm of abuseFrequencyPercentagePhysical Abuse* (n=1554) Hold heavy load as punishment/positional fixity)149296.0Hit with object147394.8Hit, beat, spanked with hand120377.4Pushed, grabbed, kicked85054.7Pulled hair, pinched, twisted ear63140.6Locked in small place18211.7Burned or scalded855.5Tried to choke, smother, or drown815.2Threatened with knife or gun301.9ConclusionsConclusion Physical abuse of children is extremely common in Ilorin Nigeria. There are no specific demographic determinants of occurrence; hence every growing child is at risk. The prevailing cultural norms and state laws appear to be chief drivers of this phenomenon. The current findings expand the available pool of knowledge about CPA in Nigeria and calls for more research. It also supports existing calls for the abolition of corporal punishment of children.DisclosureNo significant relationships.