Factors Affecting Sexual Violencein Adolescents in Kupang, Nusa Tenggara Timur

Abstract

Background: Sexual violence is a serious public health problem worldwide. It has significant and long-lasting impacts on physical and mental health including injury, unintended pregnancy and pregnancy complications, sexually transmitted infections, HIV, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and even death. This study aimed to examine factors affecting sexual violence in adolescents in Kupang, Nusa Tenggara Timur.

Subjects and Method: This was a mixed-method study conducted at the Special School for Child Development (LPKA), in Kupang, Nusa Tenggara Timur. A sample of 16 child victims of sexual violence aged 14-18 years were selected for this study. The dependent variable was sexual violence. The independent variables were parenting style, family income, and peer influence. The qualitative data was collected by in-depth inter­views and observation. The quantitative data was collected by questionnaire and analyzed by chi-square test.

Results: The incidence of sexual violence among adolescents increased with un-controlling parenting style (p= 0.005), low family income (p = 0.017), and unhealthy peer influence (p= 0.025).

Conclusion: The incidence of sexual violence among adolescents increases with un-controlling parenting style, low family income, and unhealthy peer influence.

Keywords: sexual violence, family income, peer, adolescents.

Correspondence: Debbi Natalia Giri. Faculty of Public Health, Graduate School, Universitas Nusa Cendana. Jl. Adisucipto Penfui, Kupang 85148, Nusa Tenggara Timur, Indonesia. Email: Debby­na­ta­lia­1990@gmail.com. Mobile: 082294425839.