Preliminary data on abuse during childhood among female university students

This study investigated the childhood experiences of physical and sexual abuse in relation to the risk of adult depression among female university students. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of abusive experiences in childhood, to examine if childhood physical and sexual abuse, parental antipathy and neglect correlated to depression, and to determine the risk factors of depression in this population. A translated childhood experience of care and abuse questionnaire (CECA-Q) was randomly distributed to the students. The results showed that the reliability of the CECA-Q was good and stable. The prevalent rate of childhood physical abuse in this population was 19% and childhood sexual abuse was 5%. Childhood physical abuse by the mother was a significant risk factor in contributing to depression. The study provides evidence of a correlation between childhood abuse and depression among female university students.