Toward Strengthening the Capacity of the Health System: A Cross-Sectional Study of Factors Predicting Quality of Life in 545 Nigerian Children Exposed to Sexual Abuse

Ifeanyichukwu Anthony Ogueji*, Edilia Mendes Rodrigues, Ayotunde Isaac Buremoh, Olabanjo Okunlola Ogunsola, Franca Chidera Onyeama, Nuha Mohamed Abdalla, Olanike Abosede Olutekunbi, May Maloba, Toluwani E. Adekunle, Obinna Orjingene, Mai Helmy, Oluseye Ayodele Ajayi

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

In Nigeria, the predictors of quality of life among children exposed to sexual abuse are unknown. Addressing this gap may strengthen the capacity of the health system to care for this population. Thus, this cross-sectional study selected 545 (mean age = 14.4 ± 1.4 years) Nigerian children exposed to sexual abuse. Results show that self-compassion, resilience, and meaning in life jointly predicted quality of life and explained 39% variance. The independent prediction of each predictor variable shows that self-compassion, resilience, and meaning in life have significant independent predictions, with self-compassion showing the greatest independent prediction, followed by resilience and meaning in life. Sex, age, and how long ago respondents were exposed to sexual abuse jointly predicted quality of life and explained 6% variance. However, how long ago respondents were exposed to sexual abuse shows a significant independent prediction. Results offer clinical implications that may strengthen the capacity of the health system to care for this population.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)11692-11706
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence
Volume38
Issue number21-22
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2023

Keywords

  • children exposed to sexual abuse
  • demographic variables
  • health system strengthening
  • meaning in life
  • quality of life
  • resilience
  • self-compassion

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Applied Psychology

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