Citation

Mezie-Okoye MM, Alamina FF. Afr. J. Reprod. Health 2014; 18(4): 79-85.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Women's Health and Action Research Centre, Nigeria)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

25854096

Abstract

The prevalence, pattern, determinants and health consequences of sexual violence on female undergraduates attending the University of Port Harcourt in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria was investigated. The study was a cross-sectional study involving 413 female students, and consisted of self-administered questionnaires. Data were analysed using Epi Info v6.04d and presented as frequency tables. Associations were tested using Chi square and Odds Ratio, p < 0.05, at 95% CI. Mean age was 22.1 +/- 2.8. One hundred and ninety three (46.7%) had suffered from one form of sexual violence or the another. Fondling/grabbing of sensitive body parts was the commonest 65(33.7%) form of sexual violence. Intimate partners topped the list of perpetrators. Year of study (p=0.006, OR 0.57, CI=0.39-0.85), prior victimization (p=0.049, OR=1.52, CI = 1.00-2.30) and consensual sexual activity (p=0.001, OR=1.92, CI = 1.29-2.84) were associated with sexual violence. Depression and guilt were the major health consequences reported. Sexual violence is high at the University of Port Harcourt, which warrants targeted preventive action.

Language: en