Citation

Rathinam RD, Singh A, Chopra M, Bharathi M, Mathiyalagen P, Bahurupi Y, Ramalingam R. Indian Pediatr. 2021; 58(6): 564-567.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Indian Pediatrics)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence and spectrum of self-reported childhood sexual abuse (CSA) in a sample of medical students from a medical college in Southern India.

METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to consenting students of a medical college located at Puducherry. Those students who could not be contacted despite three attempts were excluded.

RESULTS: Of total 452 students, 148 (32.7%) students reported experiencing one or other form of CSA. Prevalence of CSA was almost equal in both the sexes. Most instances of CSA occurred either at own house (33.8%) or at a neighbor's house (22.9%). Majority (60.1%) did not inform anyone; due to fear of negative consequences (43.2%) and feelings of guilt (30.4%) most commonly.

CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one third of medical students reported an incident of sexual abuse at least once in his/her life. Both girls and boys are equally likely to face CSA.

Language: en