Prevalence and Patterns of Gender-Based Violence Among Undergraduates in a Nigerian University
Background: Gender-based violence (GBV) is an umbrella term for any harmful act against a person's will based on socially ascribed differences between males and females. It can manifest as various forms of physical, sexual or psychological/emotional violence. Violence survivors and their famil...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
University Library System, University of Pittsburgh
2025-08-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Medical Students |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://ijms.info/IJMS/article/view/2592 |
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| Summary: | Background: Gender-based violence (GBV) is an umbrella term for any harmful act against a person's will based on socially ascribed differences between males and females. It can manifest as various forms of physical, sexual or psychological/emotional violence. Violence survivors and their families suffer greatly from the impact of GBV, which has major health, social and economic ramifications. This study assessed the prevalence and pattern of GBV among undergraduates, and respondents’ knowledge of its effects.
Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was employed in which self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 413 students in 7 faculties at the University of Calabar, Nigeria. The questionnaire inquired about the experience of GBV and the knowledge of its effects. Analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS).
Results and Discussion: The overall prevalence of GBV among the respondents was 80 (19.4%), with emotional violence being the most prevalent experienced by the victims (18.6%). ; GBV was slightly higher in males compared to females; however, the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Other variables such as age, marital status and year of study were also not significantly associated with GBV (p>0.05). Most respondents agreed that GBV has psychological, social and health implications.
Conclusion: The study showed that Gender-based violence is a problem in Nigeria, affecting both genders. Efforts should be geared towards addressing the factors that promote violence among both sexes through increased awareness and education. The university authority should implement precise and clear-cut sanctions and penalties against GBV
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| ISSN: | 2076-6327 |