The impacts of sexual abuse on women in Nigeria: A qualitative systematic review

Abstract

Background: Sexual abuse is a significant public health issue affecting women in Nigeria, with  studies suggesting prevalence rate ranging from 30-50%, exacerbated by cultural stigmas, inadequate legal frameworks, and insufficient support systems which perpetuate a cycle of silence and victimization. Women often bear the brunt of societal blame, which further complicates their recovery and reintegration into communities. This systematic review aims to examine the impact of sexual abuse on women in Nigeria 

Methods: A systematic review search was conducted CINAHL Plus, Medline, and Eric databases for qualitative studies exploring the sexual abuse of women in Nigeria. Studies were screened against predefined inclusion criteria. The included studies underwent quality assessment using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool. The data were extracted and synthesised using thematic analysis. 

Results: This review found several impacts of sexual abuse on women in Nigeria were wide-ranging, encompassing physical health consequences (e.g., injuries, sexually transmitted infections), mental health effects (e.g., PTSD, depression, anxiety), social stigma and isolation, educational and economic repercussions, disruption of relationships and trust, increased vulnerability to further abuse, and long-term trauma. The pervasive stigma surrounding sexual abuse in Nigerian society was found to exacerbate many of these impacts. Additionally, the study identifies significant gaps in community support and the need for robust legal protections. 

 Conclusion: This review highlights the nature of sexual abuse impacts on Nigerian women, emphasising the need for comprehensive support services and interventions. Findings suggest a need for culturally sensitive approaches to prevention and support, addressing underlying societal norms and economic factors that contribute to vulnerability. Future research should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of interventions and exploring strategies to reduce stigma and increase reporting of sexual abuse. Policy implications include strengthening legal frameworks, improving data collection mechanisms, and enhancing support services for survivors.