Knowledge and Experience of Child Sexual Abuse among School Children of Kathmandu: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Child sexual abuse is a major global public health and social issue affecting children regardless of age, sex, ethnicity or socioeconomic status. Despite its high prevalence and serious long-term physical, psychological and social consequences, it remains largely underreported. This study assessed the knowledge and experiences of sexual abuse among school children in Kathmandu.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 394 students aged 11-18 years from two public secondary schools. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board (Ref. No. 799). The sample size was calculated using the finite population calculation formula. The schools were selected purposively, and nine sections from three classes were chosen by lottery method. All students from selected sections were included. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0.

Results: Out of 394 participants, 195 (49.24%) of the respondents had moderate knowledge of child sexual abuse, 138 (35.03%) had adequate knowledge and 61 (15.48%) had inadequate knowledge. Among them, 130 (33.99%) reported experiencing sexual abuse, with girls accounting for 103 (79.23%) of cases and 63 (48.46%) occurred in public places. Misconceptions were common, including 210 (53.30%) believing victims are responsible. Sexual abuse experience was significantly associated with sex (p< 0.001), while knowledge level was significantly associated with parental education (mother p= 0.011; father p= 0.045).

Conclusions: Despite moderate to adequate knowledge, children continued to experience sexual abuse, while misconceptions persists and parental education significantly influences child’s knowledge of abuse.