IMPACT OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE ON CHILDREN WITHIN INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS HOST COMMUNITIES: A MIXED-METHODS STUDY IN MAIDUGURI METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Abstract

Child sexual abuse (CSA) has severe and lasting impacts on victims, particularly
among vulnerable populations such as children in internally displaced persons (IDPs) communities.
This study examined the multidimensional impacts of CSA on children within IDP host
communities in Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State, Nigeria. A mixed-methods design combining
quantitative surveys (N=331) and qualitative Key Informant Interviews (N=15) was employed.
Structured questionnaires assessed psychological, health, and social impacts of CSA. Descriptive
statistics and correlational analyses were used to identify associated impact factors, while thematic
analysis explored qualitative narratives. The study identified significant psychological impacts
including depression and sleep disturbance (36.6%), shame and stigma (26.3%), disappointment
and frustration (22.7%), fear and anxiety (10.0%), and anger (4.5%). Health impacts included
HIV/STD (29.3%), emotional disturbance (27.8%), infertility (22.7%), and mental instability
(20.2%). Social impacts comprised stigmatization (36.6%), low self-esteem (26.3%), alcohol
consumption (22.7%), drug consumption (10.0%), and interpersonal relationship difficulties
(4.5%). A descriptive correlational analysis revealed that most identified consequences showed
significant associations with overall CSA impact severity (p < 0.05), though depression approached
but did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.076). The model accounted for 67% of the variance
(R² = 0.67). Child sexual abuse has profound and multifaceted impacts on children in IDP host
communities, affecting psychological well-being, physical health, and social functioning. These
findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive, survivor-centred interventions addressing
the complex sequelae of CSA in displacement contexts.