Parental Age and Parity as Predictors of Child Neglect in Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Literature has revealed that there is child abuse and neglect in Nigeria including Bauchi State. The study therefore assessed predictors of parental child neglect of age and parity in Bauchi State, Nigeria. Two research objectives and the corresponding research questions and one null hypothesis guided the study. The correlation research design was utilized for this study. The population for the study consisted of all secondary school students in Bauchi State (550,421). A sample size of 1,549 secondary school students was drawn from the population using a multi-stage sampling procedure. A structured Predictors of Child Neglect Questionnaire (PCNQ) was used for data collection. Cronbach Alpha was used to determine the internal consistency of the PCNQ and an index of .88 was obtained. Data were analysed using pearson correlation (r) and linear multiple-regression model at .05 alpha level. Findings revealed that there was a very low relationship between age of parents and child neglect. There was a very low relationship between parents’ parity and PCN. Father’s age and mother’s age (p < .05) were significant predictors of child neglect. Findings suggest that Bauchi State Ministry of Education in collaboration with State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) should adopt the Child Abuse and Neglect Preventive Measures State wide for inclusion and implementation in the secondary schools. This can be achieved through employing the train the trainer’s workshops by experts to train Principals, Health Educators, which will help them to detect children who are potentially at risk; and will help religious teachers to guide students on good moral instruction; and Guidance Counsellors, will be equipped with skills to handle issues that concerns child neglect.