Sexual violence among adolescents of street children in Adama town

Abstract

Background: Sexual violence of street children is a global social problem. Like many under developed nation, challenges facing the Ethiopian children make their live under difficult circumstances and are exposed to various forms of abuse and exploitation Objectives: The objectives of this study are to assess the magnitude of sexual violence (rape), to determine the prevalence of STI, and factors associated with sexual violence. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional design with complementary focus group discussion was conducted to study sexual violence among street adolescents in Adama town. Results: A Total of 422 street adolescents of boys and girls participated in qualitative study, and there were also 4 focus group discussions containing 2 groups from boys and the other 2 groups from girls. There were 8 participants in each group. The quantitative study reveled, that the prevalence of rape among adolescents of street children in the last 3 months recall period was 65 ( 15.4%), attempted rape 30.8% and Sexually transmitted infections 23.9%. On qualitative study (FGD) results showed that both boys and girls are at high risk of rape , attempted rape, and consequences of sexual violence. Among the study subjects rape was significantly associated with age group 15-19 (OR =17.85, 95% CI: 5.50, 584.5), Sex, females (OR=80.2, 95% CI: 11.0- 584.5). Substance abuse was reported as one of the major problems among street adolescents. On this study chate consumption is very high 318 (75.5%), followed by alcohol 211 (50.1%), and chewing chate and alcohol were significantly associated with rape,. Chate (OR=5.69, 95% CI 2.02-16.09), Alcohol, (OR=2.49, 95% CI: 1.41-4.39). Conclusion and recommendation In conclusion adolescents street children (boys and girls) are at high risk of sexual violence (rape) and its consequences therefore it is recommended to find means of providing night shelter. All responsible citizens should report cases of child sexual violence (rape) to legal bodies. Awareness creation and education of problems of sexual violence on street children. Finally further study on the problems of street adolescents especially on sexual abuse is recommended. 1