Articles Vol. 67 No. CĐ6-NCKH 16/06/2026

AWARENESS AND PREVENTIVE SKILLS FOR SEXUAL ABUSE AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY AT SOME PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN HANOI, VIETNAM

Thuy Le Thi Thanh1, Thanh Lai Thuy2, Tai Duong Anh2, Huong Nguyen Mai2, Thuan Vu Van2, Ha Chu Thi3, Linh Dao Phuong3, Sy Duong Van4, Vinh Ngo Anh2, Huong Nguyen Thi Thuy5
1 Vietnam Youth Academy
2 Vietnam National Children’s Hospital
3 Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy
4 VinmecHai Phong International GeneralHospital
5 Hai Phong University ofMedicine and Pharmacy
DOI: 10.52163/yhc.v67iCD6.5349
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Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to assess knowledge, risk awareness, and preventive and coping skills related to sexual abuse among primary school students in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 430 students from grades 3 to 5 at 4 public primary schools in Hanoi during the 2024-2025 academic year. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, awareness of sexual abuse risks, and preventive and coping skills. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.

Results: Most students reported prior exposure to basic personal safety education, including body autonomy and seeking help (82.5%). However, correct awareness of common risk behaviors remained limited, ranging from 30.8-41.8%. Students were more likely to recognize direct grooming behaviors such as gift-giving (82.9%) than psychological manipulation tactics, including requests for secrecy (63.4%). In contrast, preventive and coping skills were well recognized, with over 90% of students identifying appropriate responses such as refusing unwanted contact, leaving unsafe situations, calling for help, and reporting to trusted adults.

Conclusions: Primary school students have a good understanding of prevention and response skills when faced with the risk of sexual abuse, but there remains a significant gap in risk awareness and identification of abusive tactics. This highlights the need to strengthen structured, age-appropriate sexual abuse prevention education programs in the school environment.

Keywords
Sexual abuse, primary school students, awareness, prevention skills.
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