Journals Information
Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 13(4), pp. 1030 - 1039
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2025.130425
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Parental Awareness, Attitudes and Practices towards Child Sexual Abuse Prevention: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Rural Areas of Puducherry, South India
Anlin Jenisha , Prahankumar Rajendran , Madonna J Dsouza *
Department of Community Medicine, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Puducherry, India
ABSTRACT
Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a major public health concern that affects the children's physical, psychological, and emotional well-being globally. Parents play a crucial role in protecting children, but lack of knowledge and misconceptions often hinder their efforts. The aim of this study is to examine the level of parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to CSA prevention, explore the gender-based differences in CSA prevention approaches among parents of boys and girls and identify the key factors that influence parental involvement in prevention of CSA. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from September 2024 to February 2025 among parents of children aged 5鈥�12 years in rural Puducherry. A pre-validated, semi-structured questionnaire collected demographic data and assessed CSA-related awareness and practices. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used to identify predictors of CSA knowledge, attitude and prevention behaviors. The study revealed significant gaps in parental knowledge regarding CSA prevention. While 94% of parents understood that offenders repeat abuse and molestation is the offender's fault, misconceptions persisted, with 69.1% of parents incorrectly assuming females cannot sexually abuse children and 67.2% believing boys are not at risk. Parental attitudes were divided, with 50.1% not willing for CSA prevention education at school. Preventive practices were inadequate, with only 33.9% discussing body safety and boundaries with their child and 4.1% providing books or audiovisual materials. Parents of daughters were more proactive in CSA prevention than those of sons. Higher maternal education linked to greater awareness and better preventive practices. The study highlights the gaps in parental awareness, attitudes, and practices regarding CSA prevention, particularly concerning gender disparities. This study states the need for tailored educational programs and engagement of parents in CSA prevention.
KEYWORDS
Child Sexual Abuse, Parental Awareness, Preventive Practices, Gender Differences, Rural India
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Anlin Jenisha , Prahankumar Rajendran , Madonna J Dsouza , "Parental Awareness, Attitudes and Practices towards Child Sexual Abuse Prevention: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Rural Areas of Puducherry, South India," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 13, No. 4, pp. 1030 - 1039, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2025.130425.
(b). APA Format:
Anlin Jenisha , Prahankumar Rajendran , Madonna J Dsouza (2025). Parental Awareness, Attitudes and Practices towards Child Sexual Abuse Prevention: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Rural Areas of Puducherry, South India. Universal Journal of Public Health, 13(4), 1030 - 1039. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2025.130425.