Prevalence and Correlates of Gender-based Violence among Female University Students in Northern Nigeria
Abstract
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a major public health and human rights problem worldwide. The extent of this problem in educational institutions has not been explored in Northern Nigeria. Using self administered questionnaires, we determined the prevalence and risk factors for gender-based violence among 300 female university students in Kano, Northern Nigeria. The overall prevalence of gender-based violence was 58.8% [95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 52.9% to 64.5%]. Specifically, 22.8%, 22.2% and 50.8% of students experienced physical, sexual or emotional violence respectively. Religious affiliation ethnicity, indigeneship, marital status, campus residence and faculty affiliation were significant predictors of GBV. GBV awareness creation programs, legal protection and implementation of an effective redress mechanism are recommended to curb this menace (Afr J Reprod Health 2011; 15[3]:111-119).
Résumé
Prévalence et Corrélats de la violence basée sur le genre au sein des étudiants universitaires: La violence basée sur le genre (VBG) est un gros problème de santé publique et de droits de l’homme partout dans le monde. L’étendue du problème dans les établissements d’enseignement n’a pas été explorée au nord du Nigéria. A l’aide des questionnaires auto-administrés, nous avons déterminé la prévalence de la violence basée sur le genre au sein de 300 étudiantes universitaires à Kano, au nord du Nigéria. La prévalence totale de la violence basé sur le genre était de 58,8% [95% Intervalle de Confiance(IC)=52,9% jusqu’à 64,5%]. En particulier, 22, 8%, 22,2% et 50,8% des étudiants ont vécu les violences physiques, sexuelles et émotionnelles respectivement. L’affiliation, l’ethnicité, l’état civil, la résidence universitaire et l’affiliation à la Faculté étaient des indices de la VBG. Nous préconisons des programmes destinés à la sensibilisation, la protection légale et la mise en œuvre d’un mécanisme de redressement efficace pour freiner ce danger (Afr J Reprod Health 2011; 15[3]:111-119).
Keywords: Gender-based violence female university students
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