Knowledge, attitudes and practices of parents on child sexual abuse and its prevention in Shinyanga district, Tanzania
Date
2016
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Publisher
Tanzania Journal of Health Research
Abstract
The role of parents in preventing child sexual abuse in the community in low-and-middle
income countries has not been adequately emphasized. The objective of this study was to assess
parents’ knowledge, attitudes and practices on child sexual abuse and its prevention in Shinyanga
district, Tanzania in order to strengthen child protection.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted during July 2015. Multistage cluster sampling
technique was employed to obtain study participants from a list of sampling frame. Parents with
children below 18 years old were randomly selected to form a study population. A quantitative
technique using structured questions was used to assess parents’ knowledge, attitude and practices
about preventing child sexual abuse.
Results: A total of 384 respondents were included in the study. The majority (95.6%) of respondents had
high knowledge regarding prevention of child sexual abuse. Majority (98.7%) of the respondents had
positive attitudes on preventing child sexual abuse. However, only about a quarter (27.3%) of
respondents had good practices on protection and prevention of child sexual abuse.
Conclusion: Knowledge and attitudes of parents on child sexual abuse prevention was high in the study
area. However, the practices of parents on child sexual abuse prevention were poor. Therefore, a public
education programme is needed for parents, with the ultimate aim of protecting children from the
preventable harm and trauma of sexual abuse in rural communities of Tanzania.
Description
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Article
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Keywords
parents' knowledge, child sexual abuse, attitudes, Tanzania, International Resources
Citation
Mlekwa, F. M., Nyamhanga, T., Chalya, P. L., & Urassa, D. (2016). Knowledge, attitudes and practices of parents on child sexual abuse and its prevention in Shinyanga district, Tanzania. Tanzania Journal of Health Research, 18(4).