Assessing the effects of childhood maltreatment on adolescents’ academic performance in secondary schools: a case of Geita district

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Date
2014
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Dodoma
Abstract
Specific and accurate understandings of the extent of childhood maltreatment and its effects on adolescents’ academic performance in Tanzanian schools are crucial to inform policy makers and educators about children protection and treatment programs. This study assessed the effects of childhood maltreatment on adolescents’ academic performance in secondary schools using both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. Data were collected through questionnaire, interviews and documentary review. Stratified random sampling was used to select four secondary schools from both rural and urban areas. On the whole, a total of 120 Form Three students and 20 school teachers respectively formed the sample of the study. The study revealed that students experience sexual, physical and emotional maltreatment during their childhood whereby 37.39% of male students and 50.23% of female students in both rural and urban schools, reported to have experienced the problem. Moreover, it was found that childhood maltreatment has negative effects on adolescents’ academic performance. The study recommended that there is a need of establishing child protection units at all education levels within the structure of the education system in Tanzanian schools.
Description
Dissertation (MA Education)
Keywords
Childhood maltreatment, Adolescents ’ academic performance, Academic performance, Geita, Secondary school, Policy makers, Children protection, Emotional maltreatment, Student emotional maltreatment, Education system
Citation
Malaha, R. (2014). Assessing the effects of childhood maltreatment on adolescents’ academic performance in secondary schools: a case of Geita district. Dodoma: The University of Dodoma.