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Rahimi Khalifeh Kandi Z, Ebadi Fard Azar F, Farahani FK, Azadi N, Mansourian M. Analyzing the concept of sexual self-care in preschool children: A qualitative study. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2023; 12:118. [PMID: 37397114 PMCID: PMC10312396 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_551_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Child sexual abuse is a global concern for families and societies. Therefore, child protection from sexual harassment is of particular importance. The present study aimed to investigate the concept of sexual self-care in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present research is a qualitative study conducted with a content analysis approach. The study participants include 39 child sex education specialists, parents of children aged 4-7 years, adolescents who were sexually abused in childhood, and those with no experience of sexual abuse in childhood. The participants were selected through purposive sampling method. Different people's interpretations of the concept of sexual self-care in children were explored using semi-structured and face-to-face interviews, which continued until the saturation of concepts. Data were analyzed using the Graneheim and Lundman method. Guba and Lincoln's criteria were used to strengthen the validity and transferability of the data. RESULTS Sexual self-care in children was identified from participants' viewpoints in the study. This self-care includes three main components and six subcomponents of (1) knowledge about privacy, risk situation, and trustworthy people, (2) attitude and perception of risk, and (3) behavioral skills in self-protection (i.e., post-injury reaction). CONCLUSION Further injuries can be prevented by improving the level of awareness, forming the right attitude, and strengthening children's behavioral skills toward sexual self-care. Such issues, which are representatives of privacy, risk situations, and self-protection ability, can improve children's sexual self-care skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Rahimi Khalifeh Kandi
- Department of Education and Health Promotion, School of Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farbod Ebadi Fard Azar
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, Health Promotion Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farideh Khalajabadi Farahani
- Department of Population and Health, National Population Studies and Comprehensive Management Institute, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nammamali Azadi
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Mansourian
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, Health Promotion Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Cohen N, Katz C. What Messages Are Communicated to Children in Maltreatment Prevention Programs? Conclusions of a Scoping Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2023; 24:15-28. [PMID: 34000916 DOI: 10.1177/15248380211016012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
There is a worldwide consensus that the prevention of child maltreatment (CM) is critical in promoting children's safety. Furthermore, a significant part of the prevention efforts targets the children themselves. This scoping review aimed to map the characteristics of CM prevention programs that targeted children by examining studies that described the relevant implemented programs, published in peer-reviewed journals over the last decade. Thirty-one relevant manuscripts were identified from the online databases. The analysis, guided by scoping review guidelines, examined these programs in terms of content, context of delivery, and practitioners involved. A thematic analysis identified the key messages conveyed to the children. The findings showed that the vast majority of programs are school-based and focused on preventing child sexual abuse (CSA) with considerably less attention given to other forms of maltreatment. In addition, most programs did not promote active parental participation. The content descriptions of the CSA prevention programs revealed several common key messages that focused on children's individual safety skills, specifically recognition, refusal strategies, and disclosure. The discussion addresses the concepts of blame and guilt as crucial to rethinking the CM prevention messages conveyed to children. Key conclusions that were drawn from the current scoping review highlight the need to better align prevention efforts and recent CM research. Additionally, ceiling effects in several studies indicated that children's participation, as information sources and partners in program development, should be promoted, so that prevention efforts will meet their needs within their various relevant life contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noa Cohen
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, 26745Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Carmit Katz
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, 26745Tel Aviv University, Israel
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Determinants of Sexual Abuse Prevention Knowledge among Children’s Schools in West Java Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study. SOCIAL SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/socsci11080337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a severe problem in Indonesia. Adequate knowledge in children about CSA prevention is essential so that children do not become victims. Lack of adequate children’s knowledge of the prevention of CSA may put them at risk for experiencing CSA. This cross-sectional study explores the association factors between knowledge and characteristics regarding the prevention of CSA. The study was conducted in Bandung Regency, West Java, Indonesia. Students from grades two to nine at two elementary schools were eligible for the study. Results showed that as sources of information associated with better knowledge of CSA prevention (p = 0.00), teachers and parents significantly contributed to CSA information. Multivariate analysis showed that teachers (OR: 33.479, 95% (CI: 4.467–250.912)) and parents (OR: 45.336, 95% (CI: 10.886–188.807)) significantly contributed as a source of CSA information among students. The findings are essential important implications for interventions intended at preventing CSA. Sexual education programs should be officially applied at schools for children with the support of their parents and teachers.
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Fantaye AW, Buh AW, Idriss-Wheeler D, Fournier K, Yaya S. Interventions Promoting Child Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in LMICs: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics 2022; 149:186941. [PMID: 35503330 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-053852k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Middle childhood is a critical period for physical, social, behavioral, and cognitive changes. A positive and healthy sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) foundation can minimize SRHR risks, leading to better outcomes. Our objective is to identify effective educational interventions promoting or supporting the SRHR of school-age children in low and middle-income countries. DATA SOURCES Medline, Embase, CINAHL, APA PsycInfo, ERIC, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Education Source, Web of Science, SciELO Citation Index, Global Health, and Sociological Abstract were searched from 2000 to December 2020. STUDY SELECTION Eligible articles had a sample mean age between 5 and 10 years, quantitatively tested the effects of educational interventions against a comparison group, and measured SRHR related outcomes. DATA EXTRACTION Data extracted from the 11 eligible articles were study methods, participant characteristics, interventions and comparisons, outcome measures, and results. RESULTS The review found evidence of significant intervention effects on protective knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and skills for preventing sexual violence and HIV infection. The strongest evidence was for significant improvements in children's knowledge of child sexual abuse prevention concepts and strategies. LIMITATIONS A meta-analysis could not be performed because most studies lacked randomization, included no information on the magnitude of effects, and had inadequate follow-up evaluations to truly assess retention. Only a few studies contributed to findings on protective attitudes, behaviors, and skills against child sexual abuse, gender-based violence, and human immunodeficiency virus infection, as well as physiologic outcome. CONCLUSIONS The educational interventions demonstrated significant improvements in primary school children's protective capacities, especially in their protective knowledge against sexual abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sanni Yaya
- School of International Development and Global Studies, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,The George Institute for Global Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Khoori E, Gholamfarkhani S, Tatari M, Wurtele SK. Parents as Teachers: Mothers' Roles in Sexual Abuse Prevention Education in Gorgan, Iran. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2020; 109:104695. [PMID: 32877791 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents play an important role in protecting their children from sexual abuse. Mothers, in particular, play key roles in the sexual socialization of their children and in educating their children about child sexual abuse (CSA). OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine whether preschool girls in Gorgan (a city in northern Iran) could learn personal safety skills when taught by their mothers. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Fifty-six participants (mother-daughter pairs) were recruited from patients visiting health centers. Mean age of girls was 6.34 years. METHODS Girls were pretested using Persian versions of the Personal Safety Questionnaire and 'What If' Situations Test, randomly assigned to either a mother-taught program or wait-list control, and post-tested. Mothers assigned to the education group participated in a two-hour workshop on preventing CSA and were given the Body Safety Training workbook to teach their daughters. Following the one-week training by their mothers, children in both groups were post-tested and follow-up tested one month later. RESULTS Children taught by their mothers demonstrated significant increases in knowledge about sexual abuse and higher levels of personal safety skills compared to controls, and these gains were maintained at the one-month follow-up. CONCLUSION Results suggest that mothers can effectively teach their young daughters personal safety skills. Difficulties female children have in recognizing appropriate-touch requests are discussed and compared to results in other developing countries. Advantages of home-based instruction for young children are described and suggestions for increasing parent participation are offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Khoori
- Counselling and Reproductive Health Research Centre, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
| | - Somayeh Gholamfarkhani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shohada Hospital of Quchan, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Quchan, Iran.
| | - Mahin Tatari
- Counselling and Reproductive Health Research Centre, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
| | - Sandy K Wurtele
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, USA.
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Salloum A, Johnco C, Zepeda-Burgos RM, Cepeda SL, Guttfreund D, Novoa JC, Schneider SC, Lastra A, Hurtado A, Katz CL, Storch EA. Parents' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Experiences in Child Sexual Abuse Prevention in El Salvador. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2020; 51:343-354. [PMID: 31813063 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-019-00946-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Childhood sexual abuse (CSA), a global public health problem, is often underreported especially in low-income countries such as El Salvador, and prevention efforts are needed. The purpose of this study was to examine knowledge, attitudes and experiences of CSA prevention and characteristics related to greater knowledge and openness to engaging in child abuse prevention among Salvadoran parents. Salvadoran parents (N = 478) completed questionnaires regarding demographics, definition and signs and symptoms of child abuse, personal experiences of CSA, CSA prevention training, and knowledge, attitudes and practices about preventing CSA. Most parents were knowledgeable about CSA, viewed CSA prevention as their responsibility, and had talked with their children about CSA, although 65.7% incorrectly believed that children are more likely to be abused by strangers. Parents with lower income were less knowledgeable and willing to participate in CSA prevention. CSA programing needs to involve parents and specifically target low-income parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Salloum
- University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MHC1400, Tampa, FL, 33612-3807, USA.
| | - Carly Johnco
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Raquel Marina Zepeda-Burgos
- Universidad Dr. José Matía Delgado, San Salvador, El Salvador.,Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra L Cepeda
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Sophie C Schneider
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anne Lastra
- University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MHC1400, Tampa, FL, 33612-3807, USA
| | - Alicia Hurtado
- Department of Psychiatry and Medical Education, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Craig L Katz
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical Education, and Health System Design & Global Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Eric A Storch
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Russell D, Higgins D, Posso A. Preventing child sexual abuse: A systematic review of interventions and their efficacy in developing countries. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2020; 102:104395. [PMID: 32062425 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on prevalence, risk factors, and prevention interventions for child sexual abuse has continued to focus on western and developed countries. Where country-level prevalence data or large-scale research exists, rates of child sexual abuse are consistently higher in developing and non-western countries than their western and developed counterparts. OBJECTIVE We systematically reviewed research on the nature of child sexual abuse interventions in developing countries, the settings and populations included to identify types of child sexual abuse prevention initiatives being implemented in developing countries and their effectiveness. METHODS Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic search of six databases and identified eight studies to include in our analysis. RESULTS Most empirically evaluated interventions in developing countries have focused on preschool and primary school-aged children. Most have focused on interventions delivered in educational settings, with a lack of focus on population-level interventions to prevent child sexual abuse. Researchers have used outcomes measuring knowledge or skills for young people in self-protection and help-seeking, not deployment of those skills, actual reduction in prevalence of CSA, or improvements in conditions of safety in organizational contexts. CONCLUSIONS If the focus on school-based strategies to prevent child sexual abuse continues in developing countries, a significant gap in knowledge of the efficacy of population-level interventions outside of school contexts, and consistency across the application of interventions will remain. Evaluations are needed that address the efficacy of broader government-led or whole-of-community prevention interventions to reduce actual prevalence of child sexual abuse, or that can link increased knowledge and skill with reduced victimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Russell
- Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University, Australia.
| | - D Higgins
- Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University, Australia
| | - A Posso
- Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia
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Bustamante G, Andrade MS, Mikesell C, Cullen C, Endara P, Burneo V, Yépez P, Avila Saavedra S, Ponce P, Grunauer M. "I have the right to feel safe": Evaluation of a school-based child sexual abuse prevention program in Ecuador. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2019; 91:31-40. [PMID: 30822629 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a complex public health problem that has lifelong implications for children's wellbeing. Interventions may provide children strategies to protect themselves against CSA, but few have been studied in Latin America. OBJECTIVE Evaluate the immediate and medium-term impact of a 10-week educational program on children's knowledge of CSA self-protection strategies in Ecuador. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTINGS Children aged 7-12 years from six public elementary schools in Ecuador were cluster-randomized to either receive the intervention between October and November 2016 (Group 1, k = 4) or between March and April 2017 (Group 2, k = 2). METHODS To assess CSA knowledge, a random sample of students completed a questionnaire at three time points: 1) initial: before any group received the intervention, 2) intermediate: immediately after Group 1 completed the program but before Group 2 started it, and 3) final: after Group 2 completed the program. We evaluated changes in scores using mixed linear regression models with school as a clustering variable and adjusted degrees of freedom (df = 4). RESULTS Pre-post effect estimates at program completion adjusted for age, sex and clustering by school were 6.5% (95% CI: 2.9, 10.0) and 6.8% (95% CI 3.0, 10.7) for Groups 1 and 2, respectively. Scores did not change among children who had not yet received the intervention at intermediate evaluation (0.94%, 95%CI: -6.0, 7.9). Children in Group 1 maintained the scores six months after the program ended. CONCLUSIONS The self-protection program increased and maintained CSA knowledge six months after the intervention finished.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Bustamante
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito-School of Medicine, Edificio de Especialidades Médicas, Hospital de los Valles, Av. Interoceánica Km 12 ½, Cumbayá, Quito, Ecuador; University of Minnesota-School of Public Health, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
| | - María Soledad Andrade
- Fundación Azulado, Río San Pedro E4-226 y Río Chiche, El Arenal - Tumbaco, Quito, Ecuador.
| | - Caley Mikesell
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito-School of Medicine, Edificio de Especialidades Médicas, Hospital de los Valles, Av. Interoceánica Km 12 ½, Cumbayá, Quito, Ecuador.
| | - Clara Cullen
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito-School of Medicine, Edificio de Especialidades Médicas, Hospital de los Valles, Av. Interoceánica Km 12 ½, Cumbayá, Quito, Ecuador.
| | - Pablo Endara
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito-School of Medicine, Edificio de Especialidades Médicas, Hospital de los Valles, Av. Interoceánica Km 12 ½, Cumbayá, Quito, Ecuador.
| | - Verónica Burneo
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito-School of Medicine, Edificio de Especialidades Médicas, Hospital de los Valles, Av. Interoceánica Km 12 ½, Cumbayá, Quito, Ecuador.
| | - Paola Yépez
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito-School of Medicine, Edificio de Especialidades Médicas, Hospital de los Valles, Av. Interoceánica Km 12 ½, Cumbayá, Quito, Ecuador.
| | - Soledad Avila Saavedra
- Fundación Azulado, Río San Pedro E4-226 y Río Chiche, El Arenal - Tumbaco, Quito, Ecuador.
| | - Paulina Ponce
- Fundación Azulado, Río San Pedro E4-226 y Río Chiche, El Arenal - Tumbaco, Quito, Ecuador.
| | - Michelle Grunauer
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito-School of Medicine, Edificio de Especialidades Médicas, Hospital de los Valles, Av. Interoceánica Km 12 ½, Cumbayá, Quito, Ecuador; Fundación Azulado, Río San Pedro E4-226 y Río Chiche, El Arenal - Tumbaco, Quito, Ecuador.
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Jin Y, Chen J, Yu B. Knowledge and Skills of Sexual Abuse Prevention: A Study on School-Aged Children in Beijing, China. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2016; 25:686-696. [PMID: 27561123 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2016.1199079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
To examine the level of child sexual abuse prevention knowledge and skills in a sample of school-aged children, a total of 559 children from first to fifth grade were recruited from one primary school in Beijing, China. Participants were asked to finish a questionnaire surveying their knowledge and skills of child sexual abuse prevention. Results showed that accurate rate of knowledge on child sexual abuse prevention were between 44.0% and 80.0%. Percentage of participants having applied the self-protection skills of "saying 'no,'" "going away," and "telling adults" properly in hypothetical situations was 57.4%, 28.3%, and 48.3%, respectively. Third-to-fifth graders had a better performance than first-to-second graders, and girls performed better than boys. Findings suggest that Chinese school-aged children are in need of knowledge and skills related to child sexual abuse prevention, and education programs should be developed as soon as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichen Jin
- a Institute of Child and Adolescent Heath, School of Public Health, Peking University , Beijing , China
| | - Jingqi Chen
- a Institute of Child and Adolescent Heath, School of Public Health, Peking University , Beijing , China
| | - Buyi Yu
- a Institute of Child and Adolescent Heath, School of Public Health, Peking University , Beijing , China
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