Prevalence and factors associated with sexual abuse among in-school adolescents in Ogun State, Southwest, Nigeria

Abstract

Sexual abuse among adolescents remains a significant public health and child protection concern, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. However, evidence on its prevalence and associated factors among in-school adolescents in Southwest Nigeria remains limited. This study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with sexual abuse among in-school adolescents in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria, using the Ecological Model of Violence. A school-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 353 in-school adolescents aged 10-19 years in Abeokuta South Local Government Area, Ogun State. Participants were selected through multistage sampling from three secondary schools. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Sexual abuse was defined as any self-reported non-consensual sexual experience. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression. Variables were grouped according to the Ecological Model into individual, interpersonal, and socio-cultural factors. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The prevalence of self-reported sexual abuse was 34.3%. Schoolmates were the most frequently reported perpetrators. At the individual level, gender was significantly associated with sexual abuse, with males showing lower odds of reporting abuse compared with females (AOR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.31-0.92). At the interpersonal level, adolescents from monogamous families had higher odds of reporting sexual abuse (AOR = 4.61, 95% CI: 2.45-8.68), while those living with both parents had lower odds (AOR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.14-0.49). At the socio-cultural level, religion was significantly associated with sexual abuse, with Christians showing higher odds compared with Muslims (AOR = 3.43, 95% CI: 2.00-5.89). Age was not significantly associated after adjustment. Sexual abuse among in-school adolescents in the study setting is relatively high and is associated with factors operating across individual, family, and socio-cultural levels. Strengthening school safeguarding systems and family-based protective structures may help address adolescent vulnerability.