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Young female survivors of sexual abuse in M alaysia and depression: What factors are associated with better outcome?
Author(s) -
Wahab Suzaily,
Tan Susan Mooi Koon,
Marimuthu Sheila,
Razali Rosdinom,
Muhamad Nor Asiah
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
asia‐pacific psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.654
H-Index - 21
eISSN - 1758-5872
pISSN - 1758-5864
DOI - 10.1111/appy.12051
Subject(s) - sexual abuse , legal guardian , depression (economics) , psychiatry , neglect , clinical psychology , medicine , psychological abuse , referral , physical abuse , psychology , suicide prevention , poison control , family medicine , medical emergency , political science , law , economics , macroeconomics
Research in the field of child sexual abuse is lacking in Malaysia. The aims of this study are to identify the association between sociodemographic factors and depression among sexually abused females. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 51 young sexually abused female attendees at the S uspected C hild A buse and N eglect ( SCAN ) clinic of H ospital K uala L umpur, a tertiary referral centre. Upon obtaining informed consent from participant and guardian, participants were screened for depression using the S trength and D ifficulty Q uestionnaire ( SDQ ) and interviewed using the S chedule for A ffective D isorders and S chizophrenia for S chool A ged C hildren ( K‐SADS ) for depressive disorders and K‐SADS‐PL ( P resent and L ifetime version) to diagnose depression. Sociodemographic data and details of the abuse were also obtained. Results Of the survivors, 33.3% were depressed. Univariate analysis showed significant association between legal guardianship, living environment and duration of abuse with depression, however, multivariate analyses later showed that the sole predictor for depression was living environment. Respondents who lived with others were 23‐times more likely to be depressed as compared to those who lived with their parents. Discussion Depression is common among young survivors of sexual abuse. Those who lived with parents appeared to have a better outcome. Thus, further research to explore possible protective factors associated with living with parents is vital. This will help clinicians develop strategies to empower parents and families help these young survivors get back on track with their lives despite the abuse.