Temporal and spatial analysis of notifications of sexual violence against male children and adolescents in Brazil, 2013 to 2022: an ecological study

Beatriz Caroline Leão Lima ¹, Cássio Eduardo Soares Miranda ¹, Fernando Ferraz do Nascimento ¹

⁰Universidade Federal do Piauí, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Comunidade, Teresina, PI, Brazil.

Epidemiologia E Servicos De Saude : Revista Do Sistema Unico De Saude Do Brasil +

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October 17, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Reported sexual violence against male children and adolescents is rising in Brazil. High rates of violence correlate with lower municipal development, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and support strategies.

Area Of Science

Public Health
Epidemiology
Child and Adolescent Health

Background

Sexual violence against male children and adolescents is a significant public health concern.
Understanding temporal and spatial trends is crucial for effective intervention.

Purpose Of The Study

To analyze the temporal trend and spatial distribution of reported sexual violence against male children and adolescents in Brazil.
To investigate the relationship between these cases and municipal development.

Main Methods

Ecological study utilizing data from the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System and Municipal Human Development Indexes (MHDIs) from 2013-2022.
Prais-Winsten regression for temporal trend analysis and Moran Index for spatial analysis.

Main Results

A total of 39,967 cases were reported.
An increasing temporal trend of sexual violence against male children and adolescents was observed nationwide (annual percentage change = 6.8%).
Spatial analysis revealed a significant direct correlation between high rates of violence and low MHDIs (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

A rising temporal trend in reported sexual violence against male children and adolescents was confirmed in Brazil.
Spatial dependence indicates that areas with lower municipal development experience higher rates of reported violence.
Adopting comprehensive strategies for prevention, victim support, and improved health surveillance is essential.