Study of factors affecting mental health in sexually abused children and adolescent

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine sociodemografic variables, diagnosis of mental disorders, and factors associated with the mental disorders of sexually abused children and adolescents who referred to child psychiatry outpatient department with the request of criminal report. Methods: In our study, sexually abused 234 children and adolescents (181 girls and 53 boys) aged 3-18 years who referred for criminal reports were evaluated. Case files, social observation reports, and criminal reports were examined retrospectively by the researchers. Results: Touching to the body for the sexual arousal was the most reported type of the sexual abuse (31.2%). More than one sexual abuse was established in 44.9% of cases. 97.9% of the abusers were males, 73.6% were acquaintance, and 14.5% were a family member. 20.1% of cases were sexually abused by more than one abusers and 54.3% were accompanied by violence. It was determined that 67.1% of cases had at least one mental disorder diagnosis. Children and adolescents who have been sexually abused by more than one abusers, who have been abused by a family member, whose abuse involved, penetration and violence or who have been abused repetitively are at greater risk of developing mental problems. Discussion: Sexual abuse causes long-term emotional and behavioral problems in children. Some types of sexual abuse may lead to more serious results. Moreover, individual and family characteristics of the victim, and level of social support influence problems related to sexual abuse.