Rape in Nigeria: a silent epidemic among adolescents with implications for HIV infection
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Date
2014-02-23
Journal Title
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Publisher
Positive Action for Treatment Access, Lagos, Nigeria
Abstract
Adolescents worldwide often face tremendous sexual violence; a growing problem and a leading reproductive health concern. The prevalence of this violence ranges between 15 and 40% in sub-Saharan Africa, with studies showing rates of sexual coercion and abuse among female adolescents in Nigeria between 11 and 55% (Citation1, Citation2). Little is known about the impact of rape on adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV), and how their HIV status affects how they cope with this traumatic experience. A recent survey in Nigeria showed 31.4 and 5.7% of sexually active adolescent females and males, respectively, reported forced sex (rape) at sexual initiation (Citation3). The same study showed significantly more reported cases of rape among female ALHIV compared to their HIV-negative peers (p=0.008). Supporting literature from South Africa highlights rape as a risk factor for HIV in women (Citation4).
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Citation
Folayan, M. O., Odetoyinbo, M., Harrison, A., & Brown, B. (2014). Rape in Nigeria: a silent epidemic among adolescents with implications for HIV infection. Global health action, 7(1), 25583.