Child sexual abuse and links to HIV and orphanhood in urban Zimbabwe

Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
Isolde J BirdthistleJudith R Glynn

Abstract

Evidence of a link between sexual violence and HIV is growing; however, studies among children are scarce. The authors sought to characterise child sexual abuse in Harare, Zimbabwe, and explore its links with HIV and orphanhood. Records for new clients attending a child sexual abuse clinic from July 2004 to June 2005 were computerised and reviewed. Information on characteristics, medical examinations, laboratory tests and perpetrators were summarised. Orphan prevalence was compared with Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) 2005/2006 data for Harare, and a household-based survey in a neighbouring community. Over 1 year, 1194 new clients (90% female) aged 7 weeks to 16 years were assessed, with 93% of boys and 59% of girls classified clinically as prepubertal. 94% of clients reported penetrative sexual abuse, occurring most often in the child's home. Most perpetrators were identified as relatives or neighbours by children under 12 years, and 'boyfriends' by adolescent girls. At presentation, 31/520 (6%) clients tested were HIV-positive. Where recorded, 39 (6%) clients presented within 3 days of abuse, and 36 were given postexposure prophylaxis for HIV (PEP). Among female clients, orphan prevalence was higher than in the DHS (OR=1....Continue Reading

Citations

Dec 29, 2015·International Journal of Psychology : Journal International De Psychologie·Samuel AdjorloloBudeba Petro Mlyakado
May 20, 2015·Child Abuse & Neglect·Lauren RumbleLeon Muwoni
Aug 1, 2015·Journal of Interpersonal Violence·Franziska MeinckMark Edward Boyes

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