Prevalence, Pattern and Risk Factors for Sexual Assault in a Tertiary Institution in North Eastern Nigeria.

Abstract

Prevalence, Pattern And Risk Factors For Sexual Assault In A Tertiary Institution In North Eastern Nigeria.

Abstract

Background:

Sexual assault refers to any form of sexual contact or behavior that occur without explicit consent of the victim. This can be penile vaginal, penile anal, oral, fondling, unwanted sexual touching such as fingering of vagina or anus.

The objectives of the study were to find the prevalence of the sexual assault, pattern and risk factors for sexual assault over the period of five  years in FMC Nguru Yobe State Nigeria.

Methodology: This was a 5-year retrospective cross sectional study. With ethical approval, case records of patients that were sexually assaulted and brought to the hospital were retrieved from January 2017 to Jan 2022.  Data were extracted from the case files and analyzed   using SPSS version 21.

Results :

Total number of sexual assaults were 24, including  9 males (37.5%) and 15 (62.5%). Prevalence of  sexual assault was 0.62% and 0.14% among females and males respectively.

 Children between the ages of 6 to 10 and 11-15 years where mostly affected. Peno-vaginal assault occurred more, 45.9%, while peno-anal intercourse was 37.5%. Genital fingering, having both anal and vaginal-penile penetration occurred in two (8.3%) cases each.

 Money was used to enticed  majority of the victims 13(54.2%),  while others had weapons, food, meat, or  drugs used.

Conclusion:

 Sexual assault  prevalence  in this study was found to be low, and affect mostly children. Peno- anal, peno-vaginal sexual assaults among others were reported. Money was used to entice most of the victims. Public awareness on its dangers may be helpful to decrease its prevalence.

Key words: Sexual Assault, Victims, FMC Nguru.