Beiträge zur Gesundheitspsychologie - Pädagogische Hochschule ...

Predisposing factors to early sexual activity and its
psychosocial effects on female children in Ethiopia
Yemataw Wondie & Harry Schröder
Universität Leipzig
yematawondie@yahoo.com
Early engagement in sexual activities has become an abundantly occurring
phenomenon all over the globe. The situation is even more tragic in developing
nations particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where one of the youngest populations
is found. This age group, upon which nations future development depends,
is particularly exposed to grave risks in matters of reproductive health
and its associated psychosocial impacts which may eventually jeopardize the
socio-economic development of these nations. This is especially becoming an
exceedingly growing problem for women and young girls in Ethiopia, who are
subjected to various harmful traditional practices such as early marriage and
forced sexual intercourse as well as child prostitution.
This study attempts to examine the psychosocial effects of early sexuality
and the major socio-cultural and economic factors that have predisposed sexually
abused children specifically to early marriage, rape, and prostitution. A
cross-sectional design was used; and data have been collected from a randomly
as well as purposively selected 320 respondents residing in two different
cities in Ethiopia (Addis Ababa, Bahr Dar). Out of this 118 were fistula patients,
and the remaining 200 were rape survivors and child prostitutes. The respondents
were specifically from hospitals and rehabilitating organizations.
A structured interview schedule that focuses on the socio-demographic
variables of the respondents plus the Children’s Impact of Events Scale and the
Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale were employed to elicit responses on the predisposing
factors and associated psychosocial consequences of early sexual engagement
on the respondents. This will be substantiated by a qualitative case
study, expert’s interview, focus group discussions and a real video document
analysis, which come upon the second phase of data collection, and will be part
of the final analysis of the entire project. The results will be presented right at
the congress.
Keywords:
psychosocial effects, female children, sexual activity
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