PSYCHO-SOCIOLOGICAL DETERMINANTS OF PARENTAL KNOWLEDGE OF CHILD ABUSE IN EGOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The psycho- sociological determinants of parental knowledge on child abuse in Egor Local Government Area in Edo State in Nigeria were investigated. Child- protection laws have been adopted and awareness has been created on child- protection laws; however, despite the ratification of the United Nations convention on the rights of child and the enactment of the child- protection legislation in Nigeria, there is still limited implementation and awareness of these laws. The proposed study aimed at identifying the role that educational background, socio economic status, and cultural beliefs play in the perception of child abuse by parents. The study used a descriptive cross- sectional design and was based on the Attachment Theory and the Information Processing Theory that explain how social learning, emotional attachments, and thinking systems affect the beliefs and reactions of parents towards the abuse of children. Parents, caregivers, and guardians aged between 20 and 60 years with a sample of five hundred people participated. Structured questionnaires were utilized to collect data and analysis done using frequency counts, percentages and graphs. Findings showed that, despite the fact that most parents had moderate awareness regarding child abuse, socio economic factors and cultural beliefs were still found to lessen understanding and preventive behaviours. The research finds that education, level of income, and cultural orientation of the parents are important factors which determine their knowledge of child abuse. Based on this, it proposes a continuous awareness campaign, parental education programs, and poverty- reduction measures to help in enhancing child protection.