Exploring Mental Health Adjustment of Children Post Sexual Assault in South Africa |
| |
Authors: | Shanaaz Mathews Naeemah Abrahams Rachel Jewkes |
| |
Institution: | 1. South African Medical Research Council , Cape Town , South Africa shanaaz.mathews@uct.ac.za;3. South African Medical Research Council , Cape Town , South Africa |
| |
Abstract: | Large numbers of children are affected by child sexual abuse in South Africa. This study aimed to assess psychological adjustment of children post sexual assault. In-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with caretakers, and structured interviews using mental health assessment screening tools were given to children at three intervals over a five-month period after presentation at a sexual assault center. Almost half of the children met clinical criteria for anxiety, and two-thirds met criteria for full symptom post-traumatic stress disorder two to four weeks post disclosure. With standard care, we observed some recovery; 43.3% of children still met full symptom post-traumatic stress disorder nearly six months postdisclosure. Our findings indicate that current practice in South Africa does not promote adequate recovery for children. |
| |
Keywords: | child sexual assault South Africa post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) anxiety mental health adjustment depression parental support psychosocial adjustment |
|
|