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Nyakio O, Kibukila F, Mukwege D, Bwani J, Tambwe A, Bhattacharjee P, Bandyopadhyay S, Akilimali A, Kakudji P, Kakoma JB. A cross-sectional study exploring the characteristics of female survivors of sexual violence living with HIV/AIDS in the eastern region of Democratic Republic of Congo. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2024. [PMID: 38272828 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual violence remains a persistent and devastating issue in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). AIM To elucidate the sociodemographic, sexual, and obstetrical characteristics associated with the experiences of victims of sexual violence (VSV) among women in the region. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 625 women from eastern DRC. Participants provided self-reported data, collected through interviews conducted by trained female interviewers in secure environments. Associations between VSV and various sociodemographic and reproductive health factors were examined. RESULTS Of the respondents, 26.1% reported experiences of sexual violence. VSV were predominantly younger, with 56.44% aged between 15 and 24 years. Single women comprised 57.67% of VSV, and 37.42% identified as farmers. There were 33.13% of VSV who were illiterate, and 81.60% belonged to the low socio-economic stratum. Early physiological and reproductive milestones characterised VSV: 52.15% experienced menarche at or before 13 years, 34.97% initiated sexual intercourse before age 15, and 18.70% reported their first pregnancy before age 15. Higher nulliparity was observed in VSV (29.45%) compared to non-VSV (9.31%). A lower prevalence of HIV infection was found among VSV (11.04%) relative to non-VSV (25.76%). CONCLUSION Sexual violence in the eastern DRC exhibits multifactorial associations. Younger women, those in certain occupations, and those with specific reproductive histories appear more vulnerable. The findings underscore the urgency for targeted interventions, enhanced access to education, and improved reproductive health services. Addressing these pressing issues should remain a primary focus in both societal and public health spheres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Nyakio
- Faculty of Medicine, Evangelic University in Africa, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Faculty of Medicine, Official University of Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Fabrice Kibukila
- Faculty of Medicine, Official University of Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Burundi, Bujumbura, Burundi
| | - Denis Mukwege
- Faculty of Medicine, Evangelic University in Africa, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Joyeux Bwani
- Faculty of Medicine, Evangelic University in Africa, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Albert Tambwe
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Priyadarshini Bhattacharjee
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Soham Bandyopadhyay
- Clinical Neurosciences, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
- Oxford University Global Surgery Group, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Aymar Akilimali
- Department of Research, Medical Research Circle (MedReC), Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Standing committee of research and exchange, Medical Students Association of DR Congo
| | - Prosper Kakudji
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Jean Baptiste Kakoma
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
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