Strategies and approaches to mitigate challenges facing healthcare professionals supporting sexually abused children in Nigeria

The issues and challenges faced by healthcare professionals in the role of supporting sexually abused children in Nigeria result from the constant and complex interplay of many practice-dimensional factors, including individual and contextual factors. Current evidence on mitigating challenges is limited by unidimensional approaches and focus on individual factors. This study aims to explore the perspective of healthcare professionals on real-life strategies to mitigate these challenges, carefully considering the dimension of practice, and individual and contextual factors. Using a qualitative approach, five focus groups were conducted with 36 participants, and the data were analysed using thematic analysis. Five key areas were identified to mitigate challenges, improve healthcare experience, prevent CSA and revictimisation. Inculcating basic CSA training in the professional curriculum to better prepare them for CSA practice, mandatory training need analysis, and continuous professional development for professionals in practice. Holistic care for children, using medico-legal and biopsychosocial approaches, and collaborating effectively with professionals from all disciplines. Creating awareness programs, child-friendly policies, and leveraging technology to transform future care. To this end, these strategies provide a sound foundation for policymakers, educational institutions, and authorities to implement a holistic and comprehensive child safety framework.