Tenth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

Sexual violence against persons with disabilities is a global issue of public health and human rights concern with a wide range and far reaching consequences for the victims’ health and well-being. The situation is more worrisome in developing countries such as Nigeria where there is poverty, ignorance, unhealthy social norms, and poor governance. The purpose of this study is to establish the prevalence and correlates of sexual violence among persons with disabilities in Rivers State, Nigeria. This study is a descriptive survey. Data is collected from 427 physically challenged persons in Rivers State using a self-designed structured and validated questionnaire and oral interview. Ethical approval for the study has been obtained from the University of Port Harcourt Research Ethics Committee. Informed consent is obtained from the respondents prior to data collection and only those who give their consent are part of the study. Data is collected with the aid of six research assistants among whom are experts in sign language and the use of braille. Data collected is analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Data analysis is done using percentages, mean, standard deviation, and regression set at 0.05 alpha level. It is believed that the findings of this study can provide baseline data necessary for the development of appropriate interventions geared towards reducing the incidence and consequences of sexual violence among persons with disability.