Introduction: Sexual abuse is a global public health problem that cuts across social class, cultures, tribes etc. and has permeated the fabrics of tertiary institutions and many work places as long as humans have reasons to interact. Aim: To determine the prevalence, pattern and determinants of sexual abuse among undergraduates in tertiary institutions in Imo State, Nigeria. Methodology: This study was a descrip tive, cross sectional survey of 600 female students in tertiary institutions in Imo State Nigeria. They were selected using the multistage sampling technique and data were collected using a pretested, semi-structural and self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using a computer soft-ware (EPI INFO version 3.3.2). Descriptive statistics was presented using summary indices, frequency tables and percentages. Associations between variables were done using the chi-square and logistic regression. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 21.7 3.2 years. The current and life-time prevalence of sexual abuse among the respondents was 15.2% and 34% respectively and the commonest form of sexual abuse experienced was founding/grabbing of sensitive body parts (52.5%). Factors found to influence current occurrence of sexual abuse among the students were; age (p = 0.010), tribe (p = 0.008), marital status (p < 0.001), type of student in secondary school attended (p = 0.001), faculty of study (p = 0), year in school (p < 0.0001), persons currently shared room with (p < 0.0001) and level of knowledge about sexual abuse (p = 0.007). Conclusion: The prevalence of abuse as revealed in this study was high. There is need to develop appropriated prevention strategies by the universities to curb this menace against our women.
Gender-based violence against women, which is a public health problem, has been acknowledged worldwide as a violation of basic human rights. An increasing amount of research highlights the health burdens, intergenerational effects, and demographic consequences of such violence [
Therefore our study aim is to assess the prevalence, pattern and determinants of sexual abuse among females in tertiary institutions in Imo State with a view of informing policy makers and the public of the burden of sexual abuse and how this can be greatly reduced and save our women from its long term effects. Theses study findings will help to reveal the magnitude of sexual abuse, the prevalent patterns of sexual abuse and the main perpetrators of this senseless act in our tertiary institutions in Imo state, Nigeria. Also the short and long term health and mental consequences of sexual abuse will be revealed which will in turn guide our policy makers in developing appropriate policies that will help curb this menace in our institutions of higher learning.
Imo State is one of the 36 States of Nigeria in the South Eastern Region of the country. It has a total population of about 3.93 million people, comprising more males than females (2.03 million and 1.9 million people respectively) and an annual growth rate of about 3.0%. The majority of the people living in the State are of Igbo tribe extraction and the state has one the highest literacy rate in the country of over 95%. Important educational institutions in the state include; Imo State University, Federal University of Technology, Eastern Palm University, Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Imo State Polytechnic, School of Nursing and Health Sciences, African Institute of Science and Technology, Seat of Wisdom Seminary School among others.
The study population comprised female undergraduate students of the selected institutions in Owerri Imo state. This is a descriptive cross sectional study on the prevalence, pattern and determinants of sexual abuse among female students in tertiary institutions in Imo State, South East, Nigeria.
1) Inclusion: Only female students of the selected institutions were studied whether they were on part time or full-time basis were enrolled and studied
2) Exclusion criteria: All visitors to the institution were excluded no matter their status. All male students, lecturers and staff of the institution were excluded for the survey.
Using the Cochran sample size formula for cross sectional studies in populations greater than 10,000 people and the prevalence of sexual abuse in a closely related study from Nigeria, with a prevalence of 46.7% [
n = Z 2 P q / d 245
where n is the minimum sample size, Z = standard normal deviate set at 95% significance level ≈ 1.96, p = the prevalence of life-time abuse from a previous study = 46.7%, q = 1 − p, d = the degree of accuracy set at 0.05. But a sample size of 600 students were enrolled and studied to cover for attrition.
The study was carried out using the multistage sampling technique.
STAGE 1: This involved the stratification of the institutions into two categories; category A comprised Universities while category B comprised other higher institutions excluding universities and using simple random sampling by balloting one institution was selected from each category. Three Hundred students each was studied in both institutions.
STAGE 11: This involved selection of the Faculties and Departments to be studied. This was done using proportionate simple random sampling by balloting based on population size of the selected Faculties and Departments.
STAGE 111: This involves the selection of study participants. This was done using cluster sampling technique. The classes studied were grouped into clusters from 100 - 600 level. And one cluster from each class was selected using simple random sampling. All selected clusters were studied.
Data was collected using a pretested, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire contained three sections; Section A: Socio demographic characteristics of respondents, Section B: Awareness and knowledge about sexual abuse, Section C: Prevalence and experience of sexual abuse among students. Quantitative data collected were cleaned and validated manually, while a computer software package (EPI INFO version 3.3.2) was used for data entry and analysis. Frequencies and percentages of relevant variables were generated, bivariate analysis conducted using Chi-square and logistic regression to test associations between variables. For the purpose of this study, knowledge of respondents about sexual abuse was scored using five awareness questions, each question assigned scores 0 - 5 with a maximum total score of 25 for all the five questions. The score was graded as poor if the respondent scored 0% - 49% of the total, fair if the respondent scored 50% - 69% of the total and high/good knowledge if the respondents scored ≥70% of the total score. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Ethical approval was gotten from the Faculty of Clinical Medicine, Madonna University Nigeria, before proceeding to the study. Approvals were gotten from the relevant university authorities and verbal consent was obtained from all participants after full explanation of the purpose of the study before proceeding to the interview. The research was conducted in line with laid down procedures at Helsinki (1964) in use of human subjects.
The mean age of respondents was 21.7 ± 3.2 years and the majority of the undergraduates studied were singles (87%). A higher proportion of them attended private secondary schools 241 (40.2%), that were mainly situated in the urban areas (66.7%). Majority of them attended mixed schools 356 (59.3%), were day students only, (60.7%) and were in the faculty of Arts/Education, (61.7%). Most of the students were above 100 level, (93.5%), of which majority of them reside off campus (53.5%), share room with someone (80.5%) and many of those who share room with someone do that with their female friends 295 (61.1%). Most of the respondents were sponsored in school by family members (95.8%) and were of Igbo extraction, (92.5%). A higher proportion of them were Catholics (48.7%) (
Most of the respondents, (81.8%) have heard about sexual abuse and the common sources of information were from; television, (61.1%), newspaper, (53.8%), friends, (53.0%), and radio (51.9%). The most common definition of sexual abuse known was sexual act without consent (89.2%), and common forms of sexual abuse mentioned were; Fondling/grabbing of private body parts (86.4%), rape (66.8%) and exposure to pornography (46.4%). Common victims of sexual abuse mentioned were; children, (74.1%), females, (69.0%) and singles, (57.2%). Majority of the respondents (96.3%) mentioned females as the genders most affected. Teacher/lecturers (72.3%), intimate partners (44.2%) were the common perpetrators of abuse mentioned. Commonest place that abuse takes place was in secretes corners (71.1%), followed closely by school/office (67.4%) and clubs (58.7%). Transmission of STI (77.8%) was the commonest consequence of abuse mentioned. A higher proportion of the students had poor knowledge about sexual abuse, (47.0%). The commonest factor leading to sexual abuse suggested by respondents was ignorance, 214 (14.4%) followed by financial problem, 196 (13.2%) and indecent dressing, 158 (10.6%). The commonest preventive measures to stop sexual abuse suggested by respondents were self-control 336 (17.3%) followed by stopping of lonely visits 225 (11.6%), punishment for offenders 215 (11.1%), and avoidance of bad company 185 (9.5%) (
About one-third (34%) of the students had experienced sexual abuse in their life-time with majority of them, (54.9%) experiencing it more than once in their life-time. The major forms of sexual abuse ever experienced were; fondling/grabbing of sensitive body parts/kissing, (52.5%), rape, (19.1%) and sex for favor, (13.2%). The commonest scene of occurrence of life-time sexual abuse
VARIABLE | FREQUENCY | PERCENTAGE |
---|---|---|
AGE GROUP <20 21 - 25 >26 Total | 230 306 64 600 | 38.3 51.0 9.7 100 |
MARITAL STATUS Single Ever married Total | 522 78 600 | 87.0 13.0 100 |
TYPE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL ATTENDED Public Private Missions Total | 239 241 120 600 | 39.8 40.2 20.0 100 |
LOCATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL ATTENDED Urban Rural Total | 400 200 600 | 66.7 33.3 100 |
FORM OF SECONDARY SCHOOL ATTENDED Girls only Mixed school Total | 244 356 600 | 40.7 59.3 100 |
TYPE OF STUDENT IN SECONDARY SCHOOL Boarding student only Day student only Both Total | 176 364 60 600 | 29.3 60.7 10.0 100 |
FACULTY OF STUDY Art/Education Social sciences/Sciences Health sciences Total | 370 150 80 600 | 61.7 25.0 13.3 100 |
LEVEL 100 200 300 >400 Total | 39 118 246 197 600 | 6.5 19.7 41.0 32.9 100 |
RESIDENCE IN CURRENT SCHOOL In-school hostel Off campus hostel Family house Total | 155 321 124 600 | 25.8 53.5 20.7 100 |
SHARING ROOM WITH SOMEONE Yes No Total | 483 117 600 | 80.5 19.5 100 |
PERSON SHARED ROOM WITH (n = 483) Female friend Boyfriend Relative Total | 295 70 118 483 | 61.1 14.5 24.4 100 |
---|---|---|
SPONSORSHIP IN SCHOOL Non-self Self Total | 575 25 600 | 95.8 4.2 100 |
RELIGION Catholic Pentecostal Orthodox ISLAM Total | 292 179 122 7 600 | 48.7 29.8 20.3 1.2 100 |
TRIBE Igbo Non-Igbo Total | 555 45 600 | 92.5 7.5 100 |
reported was home of perpetuators, (72.6%). The common circumstances that lead to the abuse were; visiting the house of the perpetuator, (62.7%) and violence/force, (34.8%). Current experience of sexual abuse among the students was 15.2% and the commonest form of sexual abuse experienced was fondling/grabbing of sensitive body parts/kissing, (59.3%) followed by rape, (40.7%) and sex for favor, (29.6%). The common perpetrators of current sexual abuse were; casual partners, (57.1%), teachers/lecturers/boss, (51.7%) and intimate partner, (33.0%). The commonest place of occurrence is the home of the perpetuator (68.1%) followed by office, (58.3%). Visiting of the perpetuator, (56%) was the highest circumstances leading to abuse followed by violence/force, (47.3%). The commonest consequence of abuse mentioned was emotional problem, (57.8%) followed by psychological problems, (33.8%) (
Factors found to be significantly associated with life-time experience of sexual abuse were; tribe of respondent, (Χ2 = 8.103, p = 0.004), type of secondary school attended, (X2 = 10.432, p = 0.001), type of student in secondary school attended, (X2 = 11.812, p = 0.001), faculty of study, (X2 = 41.147, p = 0), level/year in school, (X2 = 7.321, p = 0.007), persons shared room with, (X2 = 44.813, p = 0), and level of knowledge about sexual abuse, (X2 = 15.454, p < 0.001). Students who were non-Igbos, (OR: 2.38; 1.29 - 4.39), attended private secondary schools, (OR: 1.57; 1.08 - 2.29), were day students in secondary schools attended, (OR: 2.19; 1.21 - 3.97), currently studying in Faculty of Health Sciences, (OR: 12.19; 6.64 - 22.39) and at 100 level of their study, (OR: 2.41; 1.25 - 4.63) were more likely to have experienced sexual abuse in their life-time than others. On the other hand students who attended mission secondary schools, (OR: 0.59; 0.36 - 0.99), shared room currently with their boyfriend, (OR: 0.09; 0.04 - 0.20) and
VARIABLE | FREQUENCY | PERCENTAGE |
---|---|---|
AWARE ABOUT SEXUAL ABUSE (n = 600) Yes No Total | 491 109 600 | 81.8 18.2 100 |
**SOURCE OF INFORMATION (n = 491) Television Newspaper Friends Radio School Internet Parents/relatives Seminar/workshop Health personnel Books Church Market Billboards Government agencies Non-Governmental Organization | 300 264 260 255 232 223 179 161 156 155 145 114 106 94 89 | 61.1 53.8 53.0 51.9 47.3 45.4 36.5 32.8 31.8 31.6 29.5 23.2 21.6 19.1 18.1 |
**MEANING OF SEXUAL ABUSE (n = 491) Sexual act without consent Rape Verbal excuse of sexual nature Sexual act by family member Sexual act for favor Sexual act by relatives/friends | 438 287 156 153 152 94 | 89.2 58.5 31.8 31.2 31.0 19.1 |
**FORMS OF SEXUAL ABUSE KNOWN (n = 491) Fondling/Grabbling of sensitive body parts Rape Exposure to pornography Sex for favor Incest Degrading sexual comments Oral contact with genitalia Penetration with digits | 424 328 228 154 153 138 135 117 | 86.4 66.8 46.4 31.4 31.2 28.1 27.5 23.8 |
**VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ABUSE (n = 491) Children Females Singles Married women Elderly women Males | 364 336 281 214 186 180 | 74.1 69.0 57.2 43.6 37.9 36.7 |
GENDER MOST AFFECTED (n = 600) Female Male Total | 578 22 600 | 96.3 3.7 100 |
**COMMON PERPETRATORS OF ABUSE (n = 491) Teachers/Lecturers Intimate partner Casual partners Family members/Friends Colleagues Spiritual leaders Parents | 355 217 208 192 171 131 127 | 72.3 44.2 42.4 39.1 34.8 26.7 25.9 |
---|---|---|
COMMON PLACE OF ABUSE (n = 491) Secret corners School/office Clubs Home Hotels Public places | 349 331 288 282 254 211 | 71.1 67.4 58.7 57.4 51.7 43.0 |
**FACTORS LEADING TO SEXUAL ABUSE (n = 491) Ignorance Financial problems Indecent dressing Poor family upbringing Lack of self-control Social problems Pornography Peer group pressure For favor done Love for pleasure Internet/social media Personal greed Others1 | 214 196 158 130 128 128 116 103 97 80 75 63 25 | 14.4 13.2 10.6 8.8 8.6 8.3 7.8 6.9 6.1 5.4 5.1 4.2 1.7 |
**HOW TO PREVENT OF SEXUAL ABUSE (n = 491) Self-control Avoid lonely visitations Punish offenders Avoid bad company Adequate security Strict regulations Use of law enforcements agents Empowerment of women Information dissemination Proper psychiatric examinations Proper monitoring of event | 336 225 215 185 170 154 152 130 122 120 106 | 68.4 45.8 43.8 37.7 34.6 31.4 31.0 26.5 24.9 24.4 21.6 |
**CONSEQUENCES MENTIONED (n = 491) Sexually transmitted infections Emotional problems Psychological problems Physical injuries Social problems Morbidities Mortalities | 382 338 315 304 200 176 169 | 77.8 67.2 64.2 61.9 40.7 35.8 34.4 |
LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE (n = 600) Poor (0% - 49%) Moderate (50% - 79%) Good (≤80%) Total | 282 243 75 600 | 47.0 40.5 12.5 100 |
**= Multiple Response Applicable, Others1 = war/crisis, family problems.
VARIABLE | FREQUENCY | PERCENTAGE |
---|---|---|
EVER BEEN ABUSED (n = 600) Yes No Total | 204 396 600 | 34.0 66.0 100 |
FREQUENCY OF ABUSE (n = 204) Once 2 - 4 times Many times Total | 94 69 41 204 | 46.1 33.8 20.1 100 |
**FORMS OF SEXUAL ABUSE EXPERIENCED (n = 204) Fondling/grabbing of sensitive body parts/kissing Rape Sex for favor Degrading sexual comments Anal intercourse Exposure to pornography Penetration with digits Incest Oral sex | 107 39 27 26 17 14 14 12 9 | 52.5 19.1 13.2 12.8 8.3 6.8 6.8 5.8 4.4 |
**PLACES OF OCCURRENCE (n = 204) Home of perpetrator Office Hostel Road Hotel Car Classroom Home of victim/Bush/party place | 148 54 33 32 31 23 21 7 | 72.6 26.5 16.2 15.7 15.2 11.3 10.3 3.4 |
**CIRCUMSTANCES LEADING TO ABUSE (n = 204) Visitation to home of perpetrator Violence/force Seeking favor Indecent dressing Drunkenness Drugs/Displacement/Crises | 137 71 44 38 25 6 | 67.2 34.8 21.6 18.6 12.3 2.9 |
CURRENT ABUSE IN LAST ONE YEAR (n = 600) Yes No Total | 91 509 600 | 15.2 84.8 100.0 |
**FORM OF ABUSE CURRENTLY EXPERIENCED (n = 91) Fondling/Grabbing of body parts/kissing Rape Sex for favor Degrading sexual comment Exposure to pornography/internet sex Incest Penetration with digits Oral sex | 56 37 27 26 14 12 10 9 | 61.5 40.7 29.6 28.6 15.4 13.2 11.0 9.9 |
**MAIN PERPETRATORS (n = 91) Casual partner Teacher/Lecturer/Boss Intimate partner Family member Friend Spiritual leader Colleague Stranger | 52 47 30 16 14 12 12 5 | 57.1 51.7 33.0 17.6 15.4 13.2 13.2 5.5 |
---|---|---|
**PLACES OF ABUSE (n = 91) Home of perpetrator Office Hostel Road Car Classroom Hotel Victims home/bush/party place | 63 53 31 22 18 14 12 3 | 69.2 58.2 36.3 24.2 19.8 15.4 13.2 3.3 |
**CIRCUMSTANCES LEADING TO ABUSE (n = 91) Visitation Violence/force Seeking favor Indecent dressing Drunkenness Drugs/Displacement/Crises | 51 43 22 22 19 4 | 56.0 47.3 24.1 24.1 9.9 4.4 |
**CONSEQUENCES OF THE ABUSE (n = 204) Emotional problems Psychological problems Had STI Physical injury Mental problems Social problems UTI/other morbidities Infertility | 118 69 49 38 27 26 16 8 | 57.8 33.8 24.0 18.6 13.2 12.7 7.8 3.9 |
**= Multiple response.
had good knowledge about sexual abuse, (OR: 0.24; 0.12 - 0.51) were the least likely to have experienced sexual abuse in their life-time (
Factors found to be significantly associated with current experience of sexual abuse among the students were; age of the respondents, (Χ2 = 6.630, p = 0.010), tribe of respondents, (Χ2 = 7.120, p = 0.008), marital status, (X2 = 14.290, p < 0.001), type of student in secondary school attended, (X2 = 10.746, p = 0.001), Faculty of study, (X2 = 38.005, p = 0), level/year in school, (X2 = 22.205, p < 0.0001), persons currently shared room with, (X2 = 19.520, p < 0.0001), and level of knowledge about sexual abuse, (X2 = 7.170, p = 0.007). Students who were non-Igbos, (OR: 2.48; 1.25 - 4.94), ever married, (OR: 2.79; 1.61 - 4.84), currently studying in Faculty of Health Sciences, (OR: 8.09; 4.60 - 14.22) and in 100 level of their study, (OR: 4.61; 2.32 - 9.18) were more likely to have currently experienced sexual abuse than others. On the other hand students within the age
VARIABLES | EVER EXPERIENCE OF SEXUAL ABUSE | STATISTICS/(X2) P-VALUE | OR (95% CI) | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
YES (%) | NO (%) | TOTAL (%) | |||
AGE GROUP | |||||
<20 21 - 25 >26 Total | 67 (29.1 ) 111 (36.3) 26 (40.6) 204 (34.0) | 163 (70.9) 195 (63.7) 38 (59.4) 396 (66.0) | 230 (100) 306 (100) 64 (100) 600 (100) | 0.042 p = 0.838 | 1.00 1.37 (0.96 - 2.00) 1.67 (0.94 - 2.96) |
TRIBE Igbo Non-Igbo Total | 180 (32.4) 24 (53.3) 204 (34.0) | 375 (67.6) 21 (46.7) 396 (66.0) | 555 (100) 45 (100) 600 (100) | 8.103 p = 0.004* | 1.00 2.38* (1.29 - 4.39) |
RELIGION Catholic Orthodox Pentecostal Others1 Total | 98 (33.6) 42 (34.4) 64 (35.8) 0 (0.0) 204 (34.0) | 194 (66.4) 80 (65.6) 115 (64.2) 7 (100.0) 396 (66.0) | 292 (100) 122 (100) 179 (100) 7 (100) 600 (100) | 0.074 p = 0.785 | 1.00 1.04 (0.67 - 1.62) 1.10 (0.75 - 1.63) Na |
MARITAL STATUS Single Ever married Total | 177 (33.9) 27 (34.6) 204 (34.0) | 345 (66.1) 51 (65.4) 396 (66.0) | 522 (100) 78 (100) 600 (100) | 0.015 p = 0.902 | 0.97 (0.59 - 1.60) 1.00 |
TYPE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL ATTENDED | |||||
Public Private Missionary Total | 76 (31.8) 102 (42.3) 26 (21.7) 204 (34.0) | 163 (68.2) 139 (57.7) 94 (78.3) 396 (66.0) | 239 (100) 241 (100) 120 (100) 600 (100) | 10.432 p = 0.001* | 1.00 1.57* (1.08 - 2.29) 0.59* (0.36 - 0.99) |
LOCATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL ATTENDED | |||||
Urban Rural Total | 129 (32.3) 75 (37.5) 204 (34.0) | 271 (67.7) 125 (62.5) 396 (66.0) | 400 (100) 200 (100) 600 (100) | 1.638 p = 0.200 | 1.00 1.26 (0.88 - 1.80) |
FORM OF SECONDARY SCHOOL ATTENDED | |||||
Girls only Mixed Total | 86 (35.2) 118 (33.1) 204 (34.0) | 158 (64.8) 238 (66.9) 396 (66.0) | 244 (100) 356 (100) 600 (100) | 0.285 p = 0.594 | 1.00 1.10 (0.78 - 1.55) |
TYPE OF STUDENT IN SECONDARY SCHOOL ATTENDED | |||||
Boarding Day student Mixed Total | 63 (35.8) 108 (29.7) 33 (55.0) 204 (34.0) | 113 (42.9) 256 (44.0) 27 (13.1) 396 (66.0) | 176 (100) 364 (100) 60 (100) 600 (100) | 11.812 p = 0.001 | 1.00 0.76 (0.52 - 1.12) 2.19* (1.21 - 3.97) |
FACULTY Arts/Education Social/Sciences Health Sciences Total | 97 (26.2) 42 (28.0) 65 (81.3) 204 (34.0) | 273 (73.8) 108 (72.0) 15 (18.7) 396 (66.0) | 370 (100) 150 (100) 80 (100) 600 (100) | 41.147 p = 0* | 1.00 1.10 (0.72 - 1.67) 12.19* (6.64 - 22.39) |
LEVEL IN SCHOOL 100 ≥200 Total | 21 (53.8) 183 (32.6) 204 (34.0) | 18 (46.2) 378 (67.4) 396 (100) | 39 (100) 561 (100) 600 (100) | 7.321 p = 0.007* | 2.41* (1.25 - 4.63) 1.00 |
RESIDENCE IN SCHOOL | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
School hostel Off campus Family house Total | 47 (30.3) 118 (36.8) 39 (31.5) 204 (34.0) | 108 (69.7) 203 (63.2) 85 (68.5) 396 (66.0) | 155 (100) 321 (100) 124 (100) 600 (100) | 2.237 p = 0.135 | 1.00 1.34 (0.89 - 2.01) 1.05 (0.63 - 1.76) |
SHARING ROOM Yes No Total | 169 (35.0) 35 (29.9) 204 (34.0) | 314 (65.0) 82 (70.1) 396 (66.0) | 483 (100) 117 (100) 600 (100) | 1.081 p = 298 | 1.00 0.79 (0.51 - 1.23) |
PERSON SHARED ROOM WITH n=483 | |||||
Female friend Boy friend Relative TOTAL | 111 (47.4) 7 (7.4) 51 (32.9) 169 (35.0) | 123 (52.6) 87 (92.6) 104 (67.1) 314 (65.0) | 234 (100) 94 (100) 155 (100) 483 (100) | 44.813 p = 0* | 1.00 0.09* (0.04 - 0.20) 0.54* (0.36 - 0.83) |
SOLE SPONSOR IN SCHOOL | |||||
Self Non-self Total | 13 (52.0) 191 (33.2) 204 (34.0) | 12 (48.0) 384 (66.8) 396 (66.0) | 25 (100) 575 (100) 600 (100) | 3.767 p = 0.052 | 1.00 0.46 (0.21 - 1.03) |
LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE | |||||
Poor Moderate Good Total | 101 (35.8) 94 (38.7) 9 (12.0) 204 (34.0) | 181 (64.2)) 149 (61.3) 66 (88.0) 396 (66.0) | 282 (100) 243 (100) 75 (100) 600 (100) | 15.454 p < 0.001 | 1.00 1.13 (0.79 - 1.61) 0.24* (0.12 - 0.51) |
*= statistically significant.
group of 21 - 25 years of age, (OR: 0.44; 0.22 - 0.86) who were day students during their secondary school education, (OR: 0.43; 0.27 - 0.70), currently shared room with their boyfriend, (OR: 0.12; 0.04 - 0.38) and had good knowledge about sexual abuse, (OR: 0.21; 0.06 - 0.71) were the least likely to have currently experienced sexual abuse in the last one year than their counterparts.
The mean age of the respondents in this survey was 21.7 ± 3.2 years which was similar to mean ages found in others studies conducted among students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria [
VARIABLES | CURRENT EXPERIENCE OF SEXUAL ABUSE | STATISTICS (X2) | OR (95% CI) | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
YES (%) | NO (%) | TOTAL (%) | P-VALUE | ||
AGE GROUP <20 21 - 25 >26 Total | 40 (17.4 ) 36 (11.8) 15 (23.4) 91 (15.2) | 190 (82.6) 270 (88.2) 49 (76.6) 509 (84.8) | 230 (100) 306 (100) 64 (100) 600 (100) | 6.630 p = 0.010* | 0.69 (0.35 - 1.35) 0.44* (0.22 - 0.86) 1.00 |
TRIBE Igbo Non-Igbo Total | 78 (14.1) 13 (28.9) 91 (15.2) | 477 (85.9) 32 (71.1) 509 (84.8) | 555 (100) 45 (100) 600 (100) | 7.120 p = 0.008* | 1.00 2.48* (1.25 - 4.94) |
RELIGION Catholic Orthodox Pentecostal Islam Total | 47 (16.1) 20 (16.4) 24 (13.4) 0 (0.0) 91 (15.2) | 245 (83.9) 102 (83.6) 155 (86.5) 7 (100.0) 509 (84.8) | 292 (100) 122 (100) 179 (100) 7 (100) 600 (100) | 0.382 p = 0.536 | 1.00 1.02 (0.58 - 1.81) 0.81 (0.47 - 1.37) 0.0 |
MARITAL STATUS Single Ever married Total | 68 (13.0) 23 (29.5) 91 (15.2) | 454 (87.0) 55 (70.5) 509 (84.8) | 522 (100) 78 (100) 600 (100) | 14.290 p < 0.001 | 1.00 2.79* (1.61 - 4.84) |
TYPE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL ATTENDED | |||||
Public Private Missionary Total | 40 (16.7) 32 (13.3) 19 (15.8) 91 (15.2) | 199 (83.3) 209 (86.7) 101 (84.2) 509 (84.8) | 239 (100) 241 (100) 120 (100) 600 (100) | 0.062 p = 0.804 | 1.00 0.76 (0.46 - 1.26) 0.94 (0.52 - 1.70) |
LOCATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL ATTENDED | |||||
Urban Rural Total | 54 (13.5) 37 (18.5) 91 (15.2) | 346 (86.5) 163 (81.5) 509 (84.8) | 400 (100) 200 (100) 600 (100) | 2.591 p = 0.108 | 1.00 1.45 (0.92 - 2.30) |
FORM OF SECONDARY SCHOOL | |||||
Girls only Mixed school Total | 44 (18.0) 47 (13.2) 91 (15.2) | 200 (82.0) 309 (86.8) 509 (84.8) | 244 (100) 356 (100) 600 (100) | 2.626 p = 0.105 | 1.00 1.45 (0.92 - 2.26) |
TYPE OF STUDENT IN SECONDARY SCHOOL ATTENDED | |||||
Boarding Day student Mixed Total | 39 (22.2) 40 (11.0) 12 (20.0) 91 (15.2) | 137 (77.8) 324 (89.0) 48 (80.0) 509 (84.8) | 176 (100) 364 (100) 60 (100) 600 (100) | 10.746 p = 0.001* | 1.00 0.43* (0.27 - 0.70) 0.87 (0.43 - 1.82) |
FACULTY Art/Education Social/Sciences Health sciences Total | 34 (9.2) 21 (14.0) 36 (45.0) 91 (15.2) | 336 (90.8) 129 (86.0) 44 (55.0) 509 (84.8) | 370 (100) 150 (100) 80 (100) 600 (100) | 38.005 p = 0* | 1.00 1.61 (0.90 - 2.88) 8.09* (4.60 - 14.22) |
LEVEL IN SCHOOL 100 ≥200 Total | 15 (38.5) 76 (13.5) 91 (15.2) | 24 (61.5) 485(86.5) 509 (84.8) | 39 (100) 561(100) 600 (100) | 22.205 p < 0.0001 | 4.61* (2.32 - 9.18) 1.00 |
RESIDENCE IN CURRENT SCHOOL | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
School hostel Off campus Family house Total | 28 (18.1) 46 (14.3) 17 (13.7) 91 (15.2) | 127 (81.9) 275 (85.7) 107 (86.3) 509 (84.8) | 155 (100) 321 (100) 124 (100) 600 (100) | 0.242 p = 0.623 | 1.00 0.76 (0.45 - 1.27) 0.72 (0.37 - 1.39) |
SHARING ROOM Yes No Total | 75 (15.5) 16 (13.7) 91 (15.2) | 408 (84.5) 101 (86.3) 509 (84.8) | 483 (100) 117 (100) 600 (100) | 0.251 p = 0.616 | 1.00 0.86 (0.48 - 1.54) |
PERSONS SHARED WITH (n= 483) | |||||
Female friend Boyfriend Relative Total | 52 (22.2) 3 (3.2) 20 (12.9) 75 (15.5) | 182 (69.3) 91 (96.8) 135 (87.1) 408 (84.5) | 234 (100) 94 (100) 155 (100) 483 (100) | 19.520 p < 0.0001 | 1.00 0.12* (0.04 - 0.38) 0.52* (0.30 - 0.91) |
SOLE SPONSOR IN SCHOOL | |||||
SELF Non-self Total | 2 (8.0) 89 (15.4) 91 (15.2) | 23 (92.0) 486 (84.5) 509 (84.8) | 25 (100) 575 (100) 600 (100) | 1.041 p = 0.308 | 1.00 2.11 (0.49 - 9.09) |
LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE | |||||
Poor Moderate Good Total | 46 (16.3) 42 (17.2) 3 (4.0) 91 (15.2) | 236 (83.7) 201 (82.7) 72 (96.0) 509 (84.8) | 282 (100) 243 (100) 75 (100) 600 (100) | 7.170 p = 0.007* | 1.00 1.07 (0.68 - 1.70) 0.21* (0.06 - 0.71) |
*= statistically significant.
of information they heard about sexual abuse and who was the person that taught them about it. The mass media which is the commonest source of information in this study will not be able to always give an in-depth information on most health related matters and therefore should not usually be a reliable source when it comes to appropriate knowledge about health issues. The prevalence of life-time experience of sexual abuse in this study was 34.0%. This figure was within the range reported in WHO multi-county life-time prevalence of sexual partners violence among women aged 15 - 49 years, (6% to 59%) [
Factors found to influence current occurrence of sexual abuse in this study were; age, tribe, marital status, type of student in secondary school attended, faculty of study, persons currently shared rooms with, year in school and level of knowledge about sexual abuse. Those within the ages of 21 - 25 years were least likely to have been currently abused when compared to others. A study among Ethiopia female students [
In conclusion our study revealed a high prevalence of sexual abuse among the female students and a sizable proportion of them experienced rape. We found that younger age group, women in their first year of study, women with low knowledge about sexual abuse and those living with female friends outside family care were more likely to have been currently sexually abused. Thus there is need to institute preventive strategies targeted at those at risk of being abused and also to teach reproductive health issues in their general courses. Universities should establish youth friendly centers to tackle specialized reproductive health problems associated with the youths. There is need to implement already existing laws to help manage issues of sexual abuse in our universities and also develop new policies where necessary to curb this public health menace that is capable of affecting the full development of our women.
The study information was self-reported and could be subject to some form of bias, thus caution should be taken in generalizing the findings of this study.
I want to acknowledge the medical students who collected data for us and thank all the female students who participated in the study.
We hereby declare that all the authors contributed to this research.
We hereby declare no conflicting interest.
There was no external source of finding.
Duru, C.B., Aguocha, C.M., Iwu, A.C., Oluoha, U.R., Okedo-Alex, I.N., Ohanle, I. and Nwaigbo, E. (2018) Sexual Abuse among Female Undergraduates in Tertiary Institutions in IMO State, Southeast Nigeria: Prevalence, Pattern and Determinants. Open Access Library Journal, 5: e4516. https://doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1104516
Section A―Socio Demographic Characteristics of Respondents
1) Age as at last birthday __________years
2) Marital Status (a) single [ ] (b) married [ ] (c) separated [ ] (d) divorced [ ] (e) widowed [ ] (f) living with partner [ ]
3) Type of secondary school attended (a) public/government school [ ] (b) private school [ ]
4) Location of secondary school attended (a) Urban area [ ] (b) Rural area [ ]
5) Form of secondary school attended (a) girls only school [ ] (b) mixed secondary school
6) Type of residence in secondary school attended (a) lived in the boarding school [ ] (b) was a day student [ ] (c) mixed both as a student [ ]
7) Faculty/department ………………………………………………
8) Level in school (a) 100 level [ ] (b) 200 level [ ] (c) 300 level [ ] (d) 400 level [ ] (e) 500 level [ ] (f) 600 level [ ]
9) Place of residence (a) school hostel [ ] (b) off campus [ ] (c) living with family members [ ]
10a) Do you share room with anybody yes [ ] No [ ]
10b) If yes, who are you sharing g with (a) female friend [ ] (b) boyfriend [ ] (c) relative [ ] (d) Others please specify ………………………
11) Who is your sole sponsor in school? (a) Both parents [ ] (b) father only [ ] (c) mother only [ ] (d) relative/family member [ ] (e) self [ ] (f) community/scholarship[ ] (g) others please specify …………………………..
12) Religion (a) catholic [ ] (b) orthodox (Anglican, Methodist, Baptist) [ ] (c) Pentecostal [ ] (d) Islam [ ] (e) others please specify ……………………..
13) Tribe? (a) Igbo [ ] (b) Yoruba [ ] (c) Hausa [ ] (d) Others …………………
Section B―Awareness and Knowledge of Respondents about Sexual Abuse
14a) Have you heard about sexual abuse (a) yes [ ] (b) No [ ]
14b) If yes what is your source (multiple response applied) (a) radio [ ] (b) television [ ] (c) newspaper [ ] (d) school [ ] (e) friends [ ] (f) parents [ ] (g) health personnel [ ] (h) church [ ] (i) market [ ] (j) seminars/workshop [ ] (k) books [ ] (l) bill board [ ] (m) non-governmental organization [ ] (n) government agencies [ ] (o) internet [ ] (p) others please specify ………………………
15) What do you understand as sexual abuse? (a) Sexual act without consent [ ] (b) sexual act for favour [ ] (c) verbal abuse of sexual nature [ ] (d) sexual act by family member/relative [ ]
16) What are the forms of sexual abuse that you know? (Multiple response applied) (a) fondling/grabbing of sensitive body part/unwanted touching [ ] (b) sex for favour [ ] (c) incest [ ] (d) exposure to pornography [ ] (e) degrading sexual comments [ ] (f) oral contacts with genitalia [ ] (g) penetration with digits [ [ (h) rape [l} others please specify ……………….
17) Who can be a victim (multiple response applicable) (a) children [ ] (b) married [ ] (c) singles [ ] (d) elderly [ ]
18) What gender is commonly affected? (a)Male [ ] (b) female [ ]
19) Who are common perpetrators (multiple response applicable) (a) parents [ ] (b) teachers/lecturers [ ] (c) intimate partner [ ] (d) colleagues [ ] (e) casual partner [ ] (f) family / parents friends [ ] (g) spiritual leaders [ ] (h) others please specify ………………….
20) Where do you think sexual abuse occurs (multiple response applicable) (a) the home [ ] (b) the schools/offices [ ] (c) the public places [ ] (d) the hotels [ ] the clubs (e) the secret corners [ ] (f) others please specify ………………………
21) What are the consequences of sexual abuse (multiple response applicable) (a) physical injuries [ ] (b) a sexually transmitted infection [ ] (c) emotional problems [ ] (d) infertility [ ] (e) psychological problem [ ] (f) social problem/stigma [ ] (g) morbidities [ ] (h) dissociation [ ] (l) mortality [ ] (j) others please specify ………………….
Section C―Prevalence and Pattern of Sexual Abuse Experienced
22a) Have you ever been sexually abused before? (a) Yes [ ] (b) No [ ]
22b) If yes, how many times? (a) Once [ ] (b) twice [ ] (c) three times [ ] (d) four times [ ] (e) Many [ ]
23) How were you abused? ……………………………………
24) Where did it occur? (Multiple response applicable) (a) Home of perpetrator [ ] (b) home of office [ ] (c) office [ ] (d) classroom [ ] (e) hostel [ ] (f) road [ ] (g) in a car [ ] (h) hotel [ ] (l) others please specify……………………
25) What circumstances led to the event (multiple response applicable) (a) Violence/force [ ] (b) visiting [ ] (c) drunk [ ] (d) seeking favour [ ] (e) indecent dressing [ ] (f) other please specify……………………
26a) Have you been sexually abused in the last one year? (a)Yes [ ] (b) No [ ]
26b) If yes, what form of sexual abuse have you had? (Multiple response applicable) (a) fondling/grabbing of sensitive body part/unwanted touching (b) vaginal/anal intercourse [ ] (c) sex for favour [ ] (d) incest [ ] (e) exposure to pornography [ ] (f) degrading sexual comments [ ] (g) oral contact with genitalia [ ] (h) penetration with digits [ ] (i) rape [ ] (j) other please specify…………………
27) Who were the persons that sexually abused you (Multiple response applicable) (a) My parents [ ] (b) teachers/lecturers/boss [ ] (c) intimate partner [ ] (d) colleagues [ ] (e) casual partner [ ] (f) family/parent’s friends [ ] (g) Spiritual leaders [ ] (h) others please specify……………………
28) Place the abused took placed? a) Home of perpetrator [ ] (b) home of office [ ] (c) office [ ] (d) classroom [ ] (e) hostel [ ] (f) road [ ] (g) in a car [ ] (h) hotel [ ] (l) others please specify……………………
29) Circumstances of the abuse (Multiple response applicable) (a) Violence/force [ ] (b) visiting [ ] (c) drunk [ ] (d) seeking favour [ ] (e) indecent dressing [ ] (f) other please specify……………………
30) Problems that the abuse cause you (multiple response applicable) (a) emotional [ ] (b) physical injury [ ] (c) transmission STI [ ] (d) mental problems [ ] (e) psychological problem [ ] (f) Social problem (g) morbidities [ ] (h) other please specify……………………