Peer-reviewed article
Factors influencing persistence of violence against children in Mjini Magharibi “B” District, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Rukaiya Shauri Khamis, Luhuvilo Lupondo, Emanuel Amon Kikwale ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study examined socio-economic factors that contribute to violence against children in Zanzibar, Tanzania. Researchers interviewed 90 household heads and key informants using a cross-sectional design. They found that household income, child disability, parental marital status, emotional bonds between parents and children, exposure to violent environments, and uncontrolled media use all significantly influence whether children experience violence. The study recommends strengthening social support systems, raising awareness about child rights, and improving law enforcement to protect children.
Key points
- Six statistically significant socio-economic factors influence violence against children: household income (p=0.007), child disability (p=0.003), parental marital status (p=0.002), parental emotional bond (p=0.000), exposure to violent environments (p=0.001), and uncontrolled media use (p=0.042)
- The study was based on data from 90 household heads selected randomly from a population of 1,226 in Mwanakwerekwe Shehia
- The research was guided by social learning theory and the social ecological model to understand violence against children
- Recommendations include strengthening social support systems, enhancing awareness campaigns about child rights, and strengthening law enforcement mechanisms
Limitations
This is a cross-sectional study conducted in one shehia (ward) in Zanzibar, so findings may not be generalizable to other regions of Tanzania or beyond. The study identifies associations but cannot establish causation, and relies on household head reports which may not capture all instances of violence or reflect actual experiences of children themselves.
Abstract
This study examined the socio-economic factors influencing child violence at Mwanakwerekwe Shehia in Zanzibar. The study was guided by social learning theory and the social ecological model. A cross-sectional research design was utilized to gather data from 90 household heads (respondents) via interviews, focus group discussions, and documentary reviews. Respondents were selected randomly using simple random sampling from a population of 1,226, including all parents or guardians in Mwanakwerekwe Shehia. In addition, key informants such as community leaders were selected by purposive sampling. Descriptive statistical methods were used to analyze the demographic characteristics of respondents, and inferential analysis (multiple linear regression) was employed to examine socio-economic factors that influence the persistence of violence against children. The study observed that the socio-economic factors influencing violence against children (VAC) were household income (p = 0.007), child disability (p = 0.003), marital status of parents (p = 0.002), parental emotional bond level (p = 0.000), exposure to violent environments (p = 0.001), and uncontrolled media use (p = 0.042). These findings indicate that there is a statistically significant relationship between all the mentioned variables and violence against children in Zanzibar. To reduce child violence, the study recommends that the government should strengthen social support systems to provide support to families for their necessary needs. In addition, local government authorities should enhance awareness campaigns to raise awareness about the rights of children and the harmful effects of violence. Moreover, the government should strengthen law enforcement mechanisms to protect child rights and establish a clear mechanism for reporting and addressing violence.