Health And Psychological Challenges Of Sexually Abused Female Students In Michael Okpara University Of Agriculture, Umudike (Mouau)

ABSTRACT

This study identifies the sexually abused female students in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, in Nicria and discusses the health and psychological challenges faced by sexually abused female students in MOUAU. Young people all over the world arc the future of every nation and to this extent; they need to be protected from vices that arc capable of mining their lives and future, a well-structured and validated questionnaire capturing the parameters for identification of sexual abuse, its health and psychological challenges. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics. This findings show that majority (89 .4%) were aware of sexual abuse and most of those aware of sexual abuse got the information from school, showing that sexual abuse was not mostly talked about in homes. Most (82.8%) of the respondents knew the correct definition of sexual abuse. Out of the 314 female students who were studied, only 128 (40.8%) of the respondents have never had the · experience of sexual abuse in the past. Numerous are the health and psychological challenges faced by the respondents at the time the incidence occurred, only 20 (6.4% had no health and psychological challenge. It is of upmost importance that children and young people be paid attention to, to ensure that they are not exposed to sexual violence/abuse of any kind. Parents should educate their children more about sexual abuse and encourage them to talk about the incidence should it happen.