PREVALENCE OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG FEMALE PREPARATORY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN GONDAR TOWN, NORTHWEST ETHIOPIA

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.