Effect of Childhood Sexual Abuse on the Sexual Behaviour of Victims Among Undergraduates of the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Background: Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a major public health problem with long-term consequences on sexual and psychological well-being. Evidence suggests that CSA may influence later sexual behaviors, increasing vulnerability to risky sexual practices in adulthood.
Objective: This study assessed the effect of childhood sexual abuse on the sexual behaviour of victims among undergraduates of the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used among 400 undergraduates selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 22. Associations between CSA and sexual behaviors were tested using chi-square at 5% significance level.
Results: The prevalence of CSA was 26.2%. A significantly higher proportion of females experienced CSA (63.8%) compared to males (36.2%). CSA was significantly associated with risky sexual behaviors including pornography use (p = 0.006), sexual orientation (p = 0.015), and history of sexually transmitted infections (p = 0.037). Victims of CSA were more likely to engage in risky sexual and health-compromising behaviors compared to non-victims.
Conclusion: childhood sexual abuse significantly influences sexual behaviour in adulthood, increasing the likelihood of engagement in risky sexual practices among victims. Strengthening prevention programmes, counselling services, and sexual health education in universities is essential.