Family types and children vulnerability to child abuse among public secondary school students in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined family types and children vulnerability to child abuse among public secondary school students in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. One hypothesis was formulated and literature was reviewed based on the variable under study. Survey research design was considered suitable for the study. Simple random sampling technique was adopted in selecting the 147 respondents sampled for the study. A validated 15 items questionnaire using a four point modified likert scale was the instrument used for data collection. The reliability estimate of the instrument ranged 0.77 using Cronbach Alpha method. The statistical tool for data analysis was independent t-test. The hypothesis was tested at 0.05 significance level. The findings revealed that there is a significant influence of family type (Nuclear/extended family) on vulnerability to child abuse of public secondary school students in the research area. It was recommended that since children of extended family are vulnerable to abuse, parents should be involved in their children’s upbringing, demonstrate more positive attitudes about issues concerning the child, and government should initiate enlightenment programs on how to improve and sustain intact family.