Exploration of Factors Influencing Adolescent Sexual Abuse and Service Utilization Using a Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract

Using a mixed-methods approach comprising cross-sectional quantitative and qualitative research methods, I examined the influence of four psychosocial factors—locus of control, self-esteem, parent–child relationship, and peer pressure—on sexual abuse in adolescent girls and their use of counseling and sexual health services. In this study, I used a multistage sampling technique to select three states (Abia, Anambra, and Imo), 33 public secondary schools (11 from each state), and 3,065 female adolescents (1,021 from each state). I used questionnaire survey for quantitative data collection, and I conducted 40 in-depth interviews with purposively selected participants who identified themselves as having experienced at least one incident of sexual abuse. I then analyzed the collected data using descriptive and inferential statistics for the quantitative data and content analysis for the qualitative data. In this case study, I discussed how to execute a sensitive research project, some of the challenges encountered, and how some were addressed. This case study will assist anyone planning to embark on this type of research.

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