Prevalence and Risk Factors for Child Sexual Abuse in Six South Asian Countries: A Systematic Review and...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Child Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a widespread global health concern with lifelong consequences.
• Understanding CSA prevalence and risk factors is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the prevalence and risk factors of child sexual abuse (CSA) in South Asian countries.
• To adhere to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of 284 identified records was conducted.
• Statistical analysis employed a random-effects model using Jamovi software.
• Eleven studies from India, Nepal, and Pakistan met the inclusion criteria.

Main Results:

• The pooled prevalence of CSA among children under 18 was 6.23% (95% CI [1.9, 10.5]).
• Significant heterogeneity (I² = 99.73%) was observed across studies.
• Identified risk factors included lack of parental supervision, unsafe environments, sex disparities, and socioeconomic vulnerabilities.

Conclusions:

• CSA is a significant public health issue in the studied South Asian countries.
• Targeted interventions addressing identified risk factors are essential to protect children.
• Further research is needed for countries with limited data, such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Bhutan.