The effect of preventive psychosocial interventions directed towards mothers and children on children's knowledge about protection from sexual abuse

Abstract

Problem Sexual abuse is a multidimensional public health problem that concerns all communities. Primary-level preventive approaches in the fight against sexual abuse have an important place. However, research involving parents in sexual abuse prevention interventions with children is limited. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of preventive psychosocial interventions directed towards mothers and their children on children's knowledge about protection from sexual abuse. Methods The study has a quasi-experimental, comparative design with a control group and a pretest/posttest. The participants were assigned into four groups; namely, control, mother psychoeducation, child psychoeducation and mother-child psychoeducation. Findings Significant difference was determined within and between the groups in the mean scores of the Good Touch Bad Touch Curriculum test (p < 0.001). Conclusion The preventive psychosocial intervention simplemented to mothers and their children increase children's knowledge about protection from sexual abuse.