Assessment of Sexual Abuse among Youths in Selected Churches in the Igala Community of Kogi State, Nigeria
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Sexual abuse remains a significant social and public health concern that adversely affects the psychological, emotional, moral, and spiritual development of young people. This study assessed sexual abuse among youths in selected churches within the Igala community of Kogi State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the effects of sexual abuse among church youths and identified possible strategies for reducing its occurrence. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population comprised 4,863 members from four Christian denominations, while 400 respondents were selected through cluster and simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using mean statistics and Chi-square at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that the major consequences of sexual abuse among youths include increased risk of sexually transmitted infections, anxiety and fear, psychological trauma, and moral deterioration. The study further found that comprehensive sexuality education, healthy interpersonal relationships, careful peer-group selection, practising chastity, and avoiding sexually explicit media were perceived as effective strategies for reducing sexual abuse among church youths. The Chi-square analysis indicated statistically significant perceptions regarding both the effects of sexual abuse and the proposed preventive measures, leading to the rejection of the null hypotheses. The study concludes that sexual abuse continues to pose serious threats to youth development within faith communities. It therefore recommends sustained sexuality education, stronger parental supervision, youth-focused counselling programmes, and collaborative interventions involving churches, families, schools, and community leaders to promote healthy sexual behaviour and safeguard young people.
Authors: Alfa Stephen Agada, Fadipe Bayo Michael
Institution: Veritas University
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7208814946