Disability, Childhood Experiences of Violence and Associated Health Outcomes in Refugee Settlements in Uganda

Yohannes Dibaba Wado, African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC)
Stella Muthuri, Population Council
Peter Kisaakye, Makerere University
Gloria Seruwagi, Population Council
Caroline W. Kabiru, African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC)
Chi-Chi Undie, Population Council

Evidence on the association between disability and childhood experiences of violence, and associated health outcomes in humanitarian settings is scarce. Drawing on a cross-sectional sample of 2265 respondents aged 13-24 years, from the first-ever Humanitarian Violence Against Children and Youth Survey, we examined the prevalence of childhood sexual, physical, and emotional violence by disability status and the associated health outcomes. Results showed that Children with disabilities had a significantly higher likelihood of experiencing childhood sexual violence than those without disabilities (females-23.2% vs. 11.5%; males-15.7% vs. 7.6%). Children with mobility and task performance limitations were more likely to experience sexual violence compared to those without such limitations. Negative health consequences of violence were common and varied by sex and by the form of violence experienced. There is need for targeted prevention and response interventions to address the vulnerabilities of children and youth with disabilities.