Search

Background: Gender-based violence (GBV) is a global public health problem. While research exists on GBV and associated help-seeking behaviors among university students, few studies have assessed the prevalence of GBV, including experiences and barriers to help-seeking, within sub-Saharan African university settings. Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of GBV victimization among university students in six sub-Saharan African countries and describe experiences of formal and informal help-seeking among students who self-identified as victims of GBV since attending university. Design: An online, cross-sectional survey study was administered to university students from July to October 2023 at nine participating universities in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: Descriptive statistics were used to describe types of violence experienced among students (N = 2249). Bivariate analyses (t -tests, chi-square) and multivariate logistic regressions were used to examine demographic factors associated with formal and informal help-seeking behavior among a sub-sample of GBV victims (n = 298). Results: Among the 2249 sample of students, the prevalence of physical violence was 30.9%, 18.7% for sexual violence, 64.9% for psychological violence, and 63.7% for stalking. Among a sub-sample of GBV victims (n = 298), most (78.2%) sought informal help from friends, partners, or family members and less than one-third (29.5%) sought help from formal sources (e.g., university administrators, police). Logistic regression results indicated that university country was associated with formal help-seeking; that is, students in Ghana and Rwanda were over twice as likely to seek formal help than students in Nigeria (odds ratio (OR) = 2.58, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.38–4.85, p < 0.01; OR = 2.62, 95% CI: 1.20–5.71, p < 0.05, respectively). While differences by gender were noted in formal help-seeking behavior at the bivariate level, gender was not associated with formal help-seeking after adjusting for GBV training and other demographics. Conclusion: GBV is a significant public health issue among university students in sub-Saharan Africa. University policies and prevention programs are needed to reduce GBV and increase the capacity of formal sources to effectively respond to GBV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of African Journal of Reproductive Health is the property of Women's Health & Action Research Centre and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)