RESUMEN
Background: Sexual violence is a public health issue among adolescents globally but remains understudied in Sub-Saharan Africa.Objective: The present study focused on the association of cumulative exposure to different types of sexual violence with mental and physical health problems and prosocial behaviour.Method: We conducted a survey with a regionally representative sample of both in-school and out-of-school adolescents, aged 13-17 years, living in south-western Nigeria. Self-reported exposure to sexual violence, behavioural problems, physical complaints, and prosocial behaviour were assessed.Results: About three quarters of the participants reported the experience of sexual violence (74.6%). Multiple regression models revealed that the more types of sexual violence an individual reported, the more mental and physical health problems, and the fewer prosocial behaviours they reported when controlling for other forms of violence exposure. Latent class analysis revealed three severity classes of sexual violence. Symptoms of mental and physical health indicators were significantly higher as exposure increased by group whereas prosocial behaviours were non-significantly fewer in the opposite direction.Conclusion: This study revealed a consistent and unique relation between sexual violence exposure and negative health outcomes among adolescents. Further research on sexual violence in Sub-Saharan Africa and its associations is needed.
Sexual violence is associated with health problems and prosocial behaviour among in- and out-of-school youth in Nigeria.Mental and physical health is particularly affected among youth who experience the highest levels of sexual violence. Yet, lower exposure levels are highly prevalent and are related to health issues, too.Prosocial behaviour is negatively related to sexual violence exposure indicating effect on social well-being.