Psycho-Social Variables as Predictors of Sexual Abuse among In-School Adolescents in Lagos Metropolis
Abstract
This study examined psycho-social variables as indicators of sexual abuse among adolescents in secondary schools in Kosofe local government of Lagos state. The objectives of this study are to assess the influence of poverty, male dominance, rapid social change, collective and interpersonal violence and child labour as indicators of sexual abuse among adolescents in secondary schools in Kosofe local government district of Lagos State. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. A simple random technique was used to select a sample size of 700 students from ten secondary schools in the research site. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive analyses were done with frequencies and percentages. Inferential analyses were done with the use of Chi-square tests. The results revealed among others that poverty has a significant influence as a predictor of sexual abuse among adolescents in secondary schools in Kosofe local government of Lagos state (x2= 221.83 p< 0.05). Also, the results show that male dominance has a significant influence as an indicator of sexual abuse among the sample (x2= 127.41, p < 0.05). Conclusively, there are significant influences of poverty, male dominance, rapid social change, collective and interpersonal violence and child labour as indicators of sexual abuse. It was recommended that government should ensure provision of adequate policy in protecting children and adolescents who have gone through sexual abuse and violence and also ensure implementation of policies that prevent child labor in society while also providing alternatives such as enrolment in school and vocational activities for adolescents with no other source of livelihood.
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