Publication:

Impact of child abuse and neglect on academic achievement in Mariakani zone, Kaloleni sub - county, Kilifi county.

Child abuse is the physical, sexual or emotional mistreatment or neglect of child or children. The study has occasioned by poor performance amongst students in Mariakani zone, Kaloleni sub county, kilifi county. The study was interested in determining the impact of the child abuse and neglect on academic performance of students and pupils in Mariakani zone. Objectives of the study include; finding out factors that contribute to child abuse and neglect, determining the impact of child abuse and neglect on children academic performance and finally determining the attitude of teachers towards abused and neglected learners. The purpose of the study will be to determine how the abuse and neglect has affected academic achievement of children in Mariakani Zone. Higher incidence of maternal deprivation leads to poor attachment experiences which expose the child to psychological and social difficulties in later life. This raises chances of psychological and physical abuse in children. Primary care givers who have abuse displays lack of empathy, love and sensitivity to child needs. These abnormalities make one susceptible to perpetrate child abuse and neglect. Dysfunctional child care practices in members of the family makes them prone to practice child abuse neglect. Such members are not able to provide developmental needs of children thus children grow with patterns of maltreatment. This has direct impact on children wellbeing resulting in poor academic performance in schools. Unacceptable forms of punishment tolerated in some societies create a loop hole for physical child abuse. Violent punishment builds resistance in children and thus difficult to guide them in school towards full exploitation their academic potential Family dysfunctions common in current day societies provide unfavorable environment for Growing children since they lack crucial development components from both parents and members of the family. This leads to children who are psychologically maladjusted. The interplay of variables exposing children to abuse and neglect can be explored using theories which include; Psychological, Social-economic and integrated theories. Methodology of the study will in involve use of survey study to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Target population involves a total of 1900 respondents consisting of 1800 children and 100 teachers from four schools in Mariakani zone. Only 180 children and 10 teachers will be sampled using systematic random sampling and simple random sampling methods respectively. The data will be organized and presented in frequency distribution tables and analyzed using descriptive and inferential methods