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Abstract Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a widespread and public health crisis with the most serious consequences that face children. CSA caused serious problems, not only for the affected persons, but also for society as a whole, and these can no longer be neglected (Mwaheb, 2016). Children by nature are particularly vulnerable to all types of abuse because of their temporary helplessness and dependence on adults and lack of knowledge about danger and self-protection. Learning about sexual abuse prevention is necessary, but it is not enough to ensure children’s safety. Prevention and teaching about sexual abuse are the responsibility of parents and adults (Hitrec, 2015). Schools are commonly a safe setting for children to learn about child sexual abuse prevention. To prevent child sexual abuse, it is important to keep the focus on parents’ responsibility, while teaching children skills to help them protect themselves. The aim of the study was to examine effect of health education intervention on sexual abuse awareness and perception among school children and their parents. A quasi-experimental design with pre and post- test was used. The study was conducted at primary and preparatory schools from rural and urban areas at Shebin El-Kom district, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. A multistage random sample consisted of 300 school children and their parents were utilized in the study.Study instruments: Data was collected through using the following instruments: I. Structured interview questionnaire: It was developed by the researchers after reviewing the related literature and included the following:A. Scio -demographic data: It included student’s sex, age, father’s age, their parent’s education, parent’s occupation, marital status and socioeconomic status. B. Past history of exposure to child sexual abuse (CSA): It included two items and reported by asking every child about the previous exposure to CSA and the response of item in the form of yes or no. The second item about who is the perpetrator and the response options as relative, friend, neighbor, teacher, etc. II. Awareness of school children and their parents’ about CSA: A. Parents’ awareness questionnaire about CSA : It was developed by the researchers after reviewing the literature to assess parents’ awareness about CSA and included 21 items. Four items about general knowledge about CSA, 4 items about child sexual abuser, three items about causes of CSA, four items about signs and symptoms of CSA, six items about prevention of CSA. The responses of each item in the form of yes, no and don’t know. B. Awareness of school children Scale about CSA: It was developed by Sika-Bright & Nnorom, (2013) and modified by the researchers to assess awareness of school children about CSA. It included 11 items such as CSA undesirable behavior because child physical and psychological harm, children may be sexually abused by family friends or family members, etc. The responses of each item in the form of yes, no and don’t know. III. Child sexual abuse Myth Scale: It was developed by Collings, (1997) and modified by the researchers to assess perception of school children and their parents’ regarding CSA. It included 12 items such as sexual abuse is serious on children; parents should discuss sexwith children, etc. The response of items using Likert scale of three categories agree, disagree & not sure). The main results of this study showed that: About 7.7% of children’s had previous exposure to sexual abuse before, male students (11.5%) were exposed to CSA more than female students (3.9%) with statistical significant difference (P=0.01). At post intervention there was a statistically significant improvement in the awareness levels of school children and their parents’ about CSA compared to pre intervention. At post intervention there was a statistically significant improvement in the perception levels of school children and their parents’ about CSA compared to pre intervention. There was a highly statistically significant difference between the parents’ socio-demographic characteristics and the total score of pre intervention awareness about sexual abuse. There was positive significant correlation between total parent awareness score pre intervention, as well as total parent awareness score post intervention with total children awareness post intervention. There was positive significant correlation between total parent perception pre intervention with total children perception pre intervention, as well as total children perception post intervention. The study concluded that: Child sexual abuse is a significant problem with 7.7 % prevalence among children from 10-15 years old at Menoufia Governorate, Egypt.After three months of intervention, health education program was effective in increasing awareness and improves perception regarding sexual abuse for children and their parents. Recommendations: The following recommendations are suggested based on the result of this study: School based educational programs are urgent needed frequently and should be implemented for school age children and their parents to improve their awareness and perception about child sexual abuse. Enhance awareness of school age children especially male children through read, audio, visual media and electronic media about causes, early detection, prevention and management of sexual abuse. Psychological counseling should be integrated as a part of routine nursing intervention for child abuse to improve their self-esteem and body image. Home based awareness for the family about responsible child sexual abuser especially friends, as well as increase awareness from sexual abuse forms including sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sexual gratification and sexual grooming. Further studies are needed about sexual abuse causes, associated risk factors and accurate management. |