Dr. Surya Bali
AIIMS Bhopal, India
Abstract Title: Prevalence and Determinants of Sexual Coercion among Adolescents in Madhya Pradesh, India
Biography: Prof. (Dr.) Surya Bali is a senior academician and public health expert in Community and Family Medicine with extensive experience in adolescent health, epidemiology, and health systems research. He has been actively involved in teaching, research, and community-based interventions aimed at improving maternal, child, and adolescent health outcomes. Prof. Bali has authored multiple scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals and has contributed to policy-relevant research in the areas of social determinants of health and preventive medicine. He regularly participates in national and international conferences and is committed to strengthening evidence-based public health practice in India.
Research Interest: Background: Sexual coercion poses a serious threat to adolescent health and wellbeing, leading to immediate psychological distress and long-term social and health consequences. Despite increasing attention to adolescent protection, evidence on the magnitude and determinants of sexual coercion remains limited, particularly in socially sensitive settings where under-reporting is common. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of sexual coercion and examine its socio-demographic determinants among adolescents in Madhya Pradesh, India. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents aged 10–19 years across six districts of Madhya Pradesh. Participants were selected using multistage stratified random sampling. Data were collected from 3,213 adolescents through a pre-tested structured questionnaire covering experiences of sexual coercion, socio-demographic characteristics, and attitudes toward gender roles and violence. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of sexual coercion. Results: Overall, 6.47% of adolescents reported experiencing sexual coercion. On multivariate analysis, male gender (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.24), increasing age (aOR = 1.45), current employment (aOR = 1.63), and paternal unemployment (aOR = 3.01) were significantly associated with higher odds of sexual coercion. Urban residence was found to be protective (aOR = 0.60). No statistically significant association was observed between traditional gender role attitudes and experiences of sexual coercion. Conclusion: Sexual coercion among adolescents in Madhya Pradesh remains an under-recognized public health issue. Targeted prevention strategies should prioritize vulnerable subgroups, strengthen safe disclosure mechanisms, address occupational risks among working adolescents, and enhance digital safety awareness. Community-based education and accessible support systems are essential to prevent sexual coercion and ensure timely care for affected adolescents.