Prevalence of Sexual Violence and Its Associated Factors Among Female Night Time Students of Junior And Secondary Schools in Mekelle City, Northern Ethiopia, 2013

Abstract

Sexual violence refers to any sexual act directed against a person’s sexuality by any person regardless of their relationship to the victim. Sexual violence is prevalent and is a major public health and human rights problem worldwide. The problem is not different from this in Ethiopia. However, lack of data has hindered full understanding and development of appropriate interventions. The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of sexual violence and its associated factors among female night time students of junior and secondary schools in Mekelle city. A cross-sectional school based study was conducted among 404 female night students using simple random sampling and systematic random sampling technique from January–June 2013. Both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods were used using self administered anonymous questionnaire and focus group discussions respectively. SPSS version 16.0 was used for data entry and analysis. Binary logistic regression was used for statistical analysis and Odds Ratio (OR) at 95% CI was calculated for each independent variable against the dependent variables. The qualitative data was thematically analysed. The overall prevalence of sexual violence in the current academic year was found to be 84.6%, of these 16.6% were raped and 37.6% faced an attempted rape. Most of the students 68.1% reported to have faced sexual harassment. The odds of experiencing rape in the current academic year were higher among female students who were house maids (AOR=7.22, 95% CI: 2.07, 25.20), having parents monthly income less than 500 birr (AOR=6.02, 95% CI: 1.20, 30.01), who drank alcohol (AOR=6.49 95% CI: 2.54, 16.62) and had more than two sexual partners (AOR=4.01, 95%CI, 1.42, 11.16). In the focus group it was underscored that being night class, officials’ tolerance in taking effective measurements, inadequate presence of peace and security forces in the streets at night time, low self-esteem and females’ lack of knowledge as how to negotiate about sexual relations; were exposing girls to sexual violence in schools. It is concluded that sexual violence is common and serious problem among female night time students in Mekelle city. Hence, it needs attention and programs aimed at preventing sexual violence must address those identified factors.

Keywords: Sexual violence, female night time students, random sampling, quantitative and qualitative data collection methods

Cite this Article

Lemlem Gebremariam, Desta Tukue, Selam Desaleg et al. Prevalence of Sexual Violence and its Associated Factors among Female Night Time Students of Junior and Secondary Schools in Mekelle City, Northern Ethiopia, 2013. Research and Reviews: Journal of Medical Science and Technology (RRJoMST). 2015; 4(2):     6–20p.