Relationship between Female Adolescent Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Exposure to Sexual Harassment

Background Sexual harassment is defined as any unwelcome verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that is severe or pervasive and undermines the dignity and well-being of adolescent females. Aim of this study: This study aimed to assess the relationship between the socio-demographic characteristics of female adolescents and their exposure to sexual harassment.Design: Descriptive research design was used to achieve the aim of this study. Setting: The study was conducted at (the secondary school of nursing at Fayoum Health Insurance for students from grades 1 to 5). Sample: A purposive sample was composed of about 284 female students from grades one to five Tools: data were collected through a structured interviewing questionnaire to assess socio-demographic data, knowledge, attitudes, and exposure to sexual harassment, as well as an observational checklist to evaluate protective and self-defense practices.. Results: Results indicated that 51.4% of students had poor knowledge of sexual harassment, 35.2% had average knowledge, and only 13.4% had good knowledge. Additionally, 52.8% of students exhibited negative attitudes toward sexual harassment, and 59.2% demonstrated inadequate self-defense practices While 40.8% of them had adequate self-defense practices A highly statistically significant positive. Conclusion: More than half of female students have a poor level of total knowledge regarding sexual harassment. More than half of female students have a negative attitude regarding sexual harassment .Recommendation: Implement health education sessions in different schools regarding sexual harassment including knowledge and take certain actions against sexual harassment, including an anti-harassment education program targeted at female university students.