Association between childhood sexual violence and low educational attainment among young people aged 18–24: Evidence from the 2018 Uganda violence against children survey

Researchers have identified various factors that contribute to low levels of educational attainment. However, studies examining the association between childhood sexual violence victimization and educational attainment remain scarce. Understanding this relationship is vital since experiencing violence during childhood is associated with poor educational outcomes and a higher likelihood of financial difficulties and employment issues later in life. This study sought to understand the association between childhood sexual violence victimization and low educational attainment for male and female young adults. The study uses data from the Uganda Violence Against Children Survey (2018), focusing on participants aged 18–24. Secondary analysis was done using STATA 14 among participants aged 18–24 years from whom responses on childhood sexual violence (CSV) victimization were solicited. CSV was measured in its different forms i.e., unwanted sexual touches, attempted forced sex, physically forced sex, pressured sex and sexual exploitation, while low educational attainment was defined as being out of school and having primary or less as the highest level of education. Bivariable analysis and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted. The majority (67.2%) of the sample of 2312 young adults had low educational attainment. Basing on the different forms of childhood sexual violence victimization (sexual exploitation, unwanted sexual touches, attempted forced sex, physically forced sex and pressured sex), low education attainment ranged between 59.2% and 72.3% for males and 50.9% and 72.4% for females. The different forms of CSV were not significantly associated with low educational attainment except attempted forced sex among females (P = 0.011) in the bivariate analysis and child marriage in the multivariate model (P = 0.022). Low levels of educational attainment in Uganda are prevalent and could be influenced by various factors that warrant further investigation. There is a need for additional research to clarify the association between childhood sexual violence victimization and low educational attainment. Considering the well established advantages of education for individuals and communities, it is essential to strengthen initiatives aimed at increasing both access to and the quality of educational services. • The world has not yet achieved 100% enrollment for elementary education. • The effect of sexual violence on low education attainment is under researched. • Sexual violence is affecting over 25% of girls in Uganda. • Physically forced sex and pressured sex are closely linked to low education attainment. • Sexual violence can potentially affect children's education attainment.