Effect of Physical Abuse on Academic Achievement among Secondary School Female Students in Jeddah

Background: Physical abuse is defined as the intentional use of physical force against a child that can lead to harm for the child’s health, survival and development. Hitting, beating, kicking, shaking, biting, burning, poisoning and suffocating are forms of physical abuse. Physical abuse was predicted to negatively affect children’s academic and behavioral adjustment. Physically abused school age children continued to function more poorly than their nonmaltreated peers on a variety of academic and socio-emotional measures. They having lower grades, showed less academic engagement, more social skills deficits, and lower ego resiliency than non-maltreated comparison children. Aim of the study: The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of physical abuse on academic achievement among secondary school female students in Jeddah. Research question: Is there relationship between physical abuse and academic achievement among secondary school female students? Methods: The study was conducted at two female secondary school students in Jeddah – Saudi Arabia. Two hundred female students in secondary school in Jeddah were recruited for the study using non probability “convenience” sampling technique. A descriptive design was used. A structured self-reported questionnaire was developed by the researcher, after reviewing of the literature. The questionnaire was tested for validity and necessary modifications were done. Reliability was 0.813 by using Cronbach’s Alpha test. Results: It was found that 29% of participates reported that they were physically abused. About two third of participates who reported any forms of physical abuse have GPA less than 85% compared with about one third participates who reported that they never been abused have GPA less than 85% and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.001). Furthermore, the mean GPA of physically abused participants was 83.07±8.02 compared with 88.19 ± 9.13 for non-physically abused participants and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.001). Conclusion and recommendation: In summary, physical abuse is a worldwide problem that needs action from all community sectors. The findings of the current study support that there is a negative impact of physical abuse on children’s academic achievement. Identify and support abused children with poor academic achievement are needed. Pediatric nurse and school nurse should be trained about identification of physically abused children. Children’s rights in Islam and convention on the rights of children should be included in the school curriculum.