Risk and Protective Factors for Child Sexual Abuse in Indonesia: Cross-sectional Findings From the 2024 National Survey on Child and Adolescent Life Experiences (SNPHAR 2024)

Objectives: Child sexual abuse is the most frequently reported form of violence against children in Indonesia, with reported cases increasing over the past 5 years. This study aimed to identify risk and protective factors associated with sexual abuse among adolescents aged 13-17 years in Indonesia. Methods: The analysis used data from the 2024 National Survey of Children's and Adolescents' Life Experiences (SNPHAR), including 6,811 respondents. Bivariate analyses were conducted using chi-square tests to identify variables associated with sexual abuse. Variables with p-values less than 0.25 in binary logistic regression were included in multivariable logistic regression. Odds ratios, adjusted odds ratios (AORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to identify risk and protective factors associated with the experience of sexual abuse. Results: Overall, 8.74% of respondents reported experiencing sexual abuse. Protective factors included never having worked (AOR, 0.774; 95% CI, 0.606 to 0.989; p<0.05), never having witnessed violence (AOR, 0.200; 95% CI, 0.166 to 0.243; p<0.001), and no history of sexual intercourse (AOR, 0.083; 95% CI, 0.042 to 0.155; p<0.001). Conversely, positive gender attitudes (AOR, 1.556; 95% CI, 1.295 to 1.869; p<0.001) and knowledge of child protection services (AOR, 3.854; 95% CI, 3.147 to 4.720; p<0.001) were unexpectedly associated with elevated risk. Conclusions: Violence-free environments and limited exposure to early sexual experiences appear to represent critical protective factors. Counterintuitive associations suggest potential influences of cultural norms, patriarchy, and limited access to services.