Abstract:
Background: Sexual Violence frequently occurs in institutions assumed to be 憇afe�,
such as schools. Studies from around the world, including Africa in particular Ethiopia,
have documented that substantial proportions of girls report experiencing sexual
harassment and abuse on the way to and from school, as well as on school premises.
Sexual violence is associated with bad health outcomes like unwanted pregnancy,
unsafe abortion and a higher risk of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV,
during vaginal intercourse. It is also an important factor for
poorperformance,constrained participation, low self-esteem, irregular attendance and
drop-out of school.
Objective:The study is aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with
sexual violenceamong female preparatory school students in Gondar town, Northwest
Ethiopia.
Methods:Aschool based cross sectional study was carried out among female
preparatory school students in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia.A total of 590 study
participants were selected using simple random sampling after population based
proportion was allocated to each school. A structured and pretested self administered
anonymousquestionnaire was used to collect data. Bivariate and multiple logistic
regressions were used to identify the presence and strength of association.
Results: The life time prevalence of sexual violence was 199(33.7%) CI: (29.9, 37.6)
and life time rape was 16(2.7%) CI: 1.4, 4.0). Among the different forms of sexual
violence, unwelcome touch was the most commonly reported 133(22.5) CI: 19.1, 25.9)
followed by unwelcomed kiss and verbal harassment 19%, 18.8 %respectively.Life time
experience of sexual violence was significantly associated with havingboy friend
[AOD=3.02 95% of CI: (1.82-5.00)], history of sexual intercourse[AOD=2.14 95% of CI:
(1.03-4.43)], and a habit of taking alcohol. [AOD=1.90 95% of CI: (1.25-2.91)].
Conclusion/Recommendation:More than one third of female preparatory school
students in Gondar town experience sexual violence.Having boyfriend, history of sexual
intercourse and a habit of taking alcohol are associated with life time experience of
sexual violence. Therefore, foralleviating the occurrence of sexual violence, awareness
should be created about sexual violence, its consequences, and predisposing factors to
school girls and boys and to the community.
