Abuse in children and youth with disabilities in the Northwest region of Cameroon: a qualitative study on causes and contributing factors.

PURPOSE: Children and youth with disabilities are at increased risk of abuse a major societal and public health problem in Cameroon. The aim was to explore the causes of abuse among children and youth with disabilities in homes and institutions in the Northwest Region of Cameroon.

METHODS

A qualitative study was conducted, including 50 in-depth interviews with children and youth with disabilities, eight focus groups with key staff from child protection offices, caregivers, and teachers in schools, and 12 key informant in-depth interviews with social workers and legal practitioners. Inductive thematic analysis was applied to the data.

RESULTS

Twenty-three sub-themes and eight themes emerged; Poverty; Cultural and religious beliefs and harmful societal norms; Stigma and discrimination from family; Peers and community members; Excessive alcohol consumption; Communication challenges; Low self-esteem of Children and youth with disabilities; Ignorance of the rights of children and youth with disabilities and Female with disability more prone to abuse were major causes of abuse.

CONCLUSIONS

Children and youth with disabilities in Cameroon face challenges due to poor economic conditions of their caregivers, leading to street hawking and exposure to abuse. Overcrowding in homes contributes to sexual abuse, while poor cultural practices further exacerbate the situation. Addressing these issues requires a multi-dimensional approach encompassing psychosocial, economic, cultural, and legal dimensions.