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Adane M, Kloos H, Mezemir Y, Muche A, Amsalu E. Violence against housemaids in an Ethiopian town during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:485. [PMID: 37700265 PMCID: PMC10498593 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02530-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Violence against women is a global public health problem that has numerous adverse effects. However, published literature regarding violence against housemaids during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ethiopia is lacking. The current study aims to explore the experiences of violence and associated factors among housemaids in Ethiopia. The findings may be useful to the design appropriate policies, programs and strategies to reduce the problem. METHODS A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March, 2021 in Kombolcha Town, Ethiopia. A total of 215 housemaids aged 14 years and older were included in the study using a simple random sampling technique. A multivariable logistic regression model with 95% CI (confidence interval) was applied to identify significant factors of physical and sexual violence. Variables with a P-value < 0.05 were declared as factors significantly associated with violence. RESULTS Among 215 housemaids, 33.49% (95% CI: 27.13-39.85%) reported physical violence and 21.4% (95% CI: 15.87-26.92) reported sexual violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, housemaids aged 19-23 years (AOR = 2.64, 95% CI: 1.01-6.89), who had a male employer (AOR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.05-5.45), whose employers chewed chat (Catha edulis) (AOR = 3.78, 95% CI: 1.73-8.29), or drank alcohol (AOR = 2.90, 95% CI: 1.17-7.17) experienced more physical violence. Sexual violence was also associated with employers' alcohol consumption (AOR = 9.72, 95% CI: 3.12-20.31), employers' chat chewing (AOR = 7.40, 95% CI: 2.26-14.21) and male employers (AOR = 3.23, 95% CI: 1.22-8.52). CONCLUSION The findings indicate that one in five housemaids and one in three housemaids experienced sexual violence and physical violence, respectively. Housemaids aged 19-23 years, having a male employer, having an employer who chewed chat (Catha edulis) or who drank alcohol were factors associated with physical violence, whereas employers' alcohol consumption, employers' chat chewing and male employers were factors associated with sexual violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Metadel Adane
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Kombolcha, Ethiopia.
| | - Helmut Kloos
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | | | - Amare Muche
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine Health Sciences, Wollo University, Kombolcha, Ethiopia
| | - Erkihun Amsalu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine Health Sciences, Wollo University, Kombolcha, Ethiopia
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Asegu KA, Dessie AM, Tilahun TD, Dagnew GW, Anley DT. Violence against women and associated factors among female construction workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:547. [PMID: 37507686 PMCID: PMC10385906 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05002-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Violence against Women (VAW) is a global public health problem; almost one in three global women experienced one form of violence. Violence free environment is the one that everyone cherishes. However, millions of women worldwide suffer from violence. In Ethiopia, VAW is very common and considered a private matter though it has serious consequences for girls and women. Studies pointed out that it varies by workplace, and hence important to assess it among female construction workers in Addis Ababa. OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence and factors contributing to gender-based violence on female construction workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2021. METHODS A cross-sectional study design with a multistage cluster sampling technique was used to select 827 study participants and a face-to-face interview was held from February 24 to April 24, 2021. Data entry was done using Epi info-7 and exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Both bivariable and multivariable binary logistics regression analysis were employed. RESULTS A total of 827 female workers were interviewed in this study. The mean age of the respondents was 24.97 years with SD of ± 5.6. The magnitude of violence against female in the workplace was 70.9% (95% CI: 67.7, 73.9). This study found that females in the age group 15-19 years (AOR = 2.37, 95%CI: 1.26, 4.45), females who live in Addis Ababa for less than 3 years (AOR = 3.02, 95%CI: 1.59, 5.73) and for 3-7 years (AOR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.14, 4.00) and females who have no formal education (AOR = 3.16, 95%CI: 1.80, 5.54) had higher odds of violence at their workplace. CONCLUSION The magnitude of overall VAW among female construction workers in Addis Ababa was high compared to other workplaces. Age and the number of years lived in Addis Ababa were found to be significant factors of violence among female construction workers. Hence, emphasis shall be given for female construction workers in Addis Ababa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kidist Asratie Asegu
- Department of Reproductive Health, Tibebe Ghion Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Anteneh Mengist Dessie
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Tizita Degifie Tilahun
- Department of Reproductive Health and Population Studies, School of Public Health, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Gizachew Worku Dagnew
- Department of Reproductive Health and Population Studies, School of Public Health, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Denekew Tenaw Anley
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia.
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Demeke MG, Shibeshi ET. Intimate partner violence against women of reproductive age and associated factors during COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Ethiopia, 2021: A community-based cross-sectional study. Front Glob Womens Health 2023; 3:977153. [PMID: 36825216 PMCID: PMC9941189 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.977153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health concern that affects more than one-third of all women globally. Assessing the prevalence of intimate partner violence and associated factors during the COVID-19 pandemic in various localities is crucial for intervention actions. So far, a few studies have been done in Ethiopia during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Objective This study aimed to assess the prevalence of intimate partner violence in women of reproductive age and associated factors during the COVID-19 pandemic in Debre Berhan town, Ethiopia, 2021. Methodology A community-based cross-sectional study was done. A total of 809 ever-partnered women of reproductive age were selected randomly via a multistage sampling method. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with the resulting 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to verify the strength of associations. Significant associations were declared at p-values <0.05. Result Among the 796 women who successfully participated in the study, 337 (42.3%) experienced at least one type of intimate partner violence. Prevalence of psychological, physical, and sexual violence was 35.3% (281), 15.3% (122), and 15.2% (121), respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that women with no formal education [AOR (95% CI): 3.66 (1.91-6.98)], having no own income [AOR (95% CI): 1.78 (1.24-2.56)], and attitude of IPV were acceptable [AOR (95% CI): 4.02 (1.33-12.14)]; a male partner with no formal education [AOR (95% CI): 3.06 (1.53-6.14)], with "level of religious beliefs" [weak-AOR (95% CI): 4.17 (1.45-12.03); and medium-AOR (95% CI): 1.64 (1.13-2.39)], who is alcoholic [AOR (95% CI): 5.91 (4.03-8.67)], and with smoking habits [AOR (95% CI): 2.04 (1.10-3.77)] and >5 [AOR (95% CI): 1.83 (1.01-3.39)] was significantly associated with the presence of intimate partner violence. Conclusion and recommendation This study revealed a high prevalence of IPV in the study participants. The high intimate partner violence prevalence was due to multiple factors, thus demanding empowering women and tailored health education for male partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mekasha Getnet Demeke
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia,Correspondence: Mekasha Getnet Demeke
| | - Ehtemariam Tefera Shibeshi
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia
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Kassa ZY, Hadra N, Hailu D. The hidden gender-based violence and associated factors among marginalised women in Southern Ethiopia. J Migr Health 2023; 7:100154. [PMID: 36794095 PMCID: PMC9922806 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2023.100154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Domestic violence is a common public health concern that violates human rights in all societies. This aimed to assess domestic violence and associated factors among housemaid night students in Hawassa city. Methods An institutional-based cross-sectional study was implemented from 1 February to 30 March 2019 among housemaid night students in Hawassa city. A stratified, two-stage cluster sampling technique was used. Finally, the study population was selected from the respective source population using a simple random sampling technique (computer-generated random numbers were used). Data were checked, coded and entered into Epi data version 3.1.5 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were computed to identify the determinants of domestic violence among housemaid night students. Result In this study, the housemaid experienced at least one form of domestic violence was 20.9 %(95% CI: 17.9, 24.2). Whereas 16.9% (95% CI: 14.0, 20.0) experienced physical violence, 9.7% were slapping, and the current employer performed 9% of any domestic violence among housemaid night students. Besides, 11% (95% CI: 8.7, 13.5) experienced sexual violence, 4% attempted rape, and the employer's son/friends performed 5.7% of sexual violence among housemaid night students. Conclusion Employer family size, any habit like khat chewing and drinking alcohol, anyone who watches pornography in the employer's home, anyone who enforces the housemaid to watch pornography, and lack of knowledge of domestic violence is higher odds of domestic violence among housemaid night students. Hence, the labour and social affairs and concerned stakeholders could create awareness about domestic violence for housemaids, families, and employers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zemenu Yohannes Kassa
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia,Corresponding author.
| | - Nebiha Hadra
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Dejene Hailu
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
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Mekonnen BD, Lakew ZH, Melese EB. Prevalence and associated factors of sexual violence experienced by housemaids in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Health 2022; 19:162. [PMID: 35854381 PMCID: PMC9297595 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-022-01470-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Housemaids often experience different types of sexual violence by different perpetrators. Sexual violence against housemaids remains usually concealed as victims cannot report such offenses. Except for fragmented studies with varying reports, there is no national prevalence studies conducted on sexual violence among housemaids in Ethiopia. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled prevalence and associated factors of sexual violence amongst housemaids in Ethiopia. Methods A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Science Direct, HINARI, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar was conducted using relevant search terms. Data were extracted using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool. The quality of all selected articles was evaluated using JBI critical appraisal checklist. Data analysis was performed using STATA Version 14 statistical software. Egger’s test and funnel plot were used to evaluate publication bias. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran’s chi-squared test and quantified by I2 values. A random-effects model was applied during meta-analysis if heterogeneity was exhibited; otherwise, a fixed-effects model was used. Results After reviewing 37,849 articles, 8 studies involving 3,324 housemaids were included for this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of life time sexual violence among housemaids in Ethiopia was 46.26% (95% CI: 24.69, 67.84). The pooled prevalence was 55.43% (95% CI: 26.38, 84.47) for sexual harassment, 39.03% (95% CI: 14.55, 63.52) for attempted rape, and 18.85% (95% CI: 7.51, 30.19) for rape. Sexual violence is more likely among housemaid who previously lived rural residence (AOR = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.41, 3.60), drinks alcohol (AOR = 2.79 95% CI: 1.02, 4.56), and employer alcohol consumption (AOR = 6.01; 95% CI: 1.10, 32.96). Conclusion This study revealed that the prevalence of sexual violence against housemaids in Ethiopia is high. Of the forms of sexual violence against housemaids, sexual harassment is high. Male employers are the vast majority of perpetrators of their housemaids. Thus, concerned stakeholders should develop and implement interventions that could empower housemaids in their struggle toward the elimination of sexual violence, create awareness for men, control and monitor the implementation of legislation and policies, and prompt punishment of the perpetrators. Systematic review and meta-analysis registration PROSPERO CRD42021160511. Sexual violence is the most common form of gender-based violence and has been a persistent problem in public health. Housemaids are the most vulnerable groups for any of the forms of sexual violence, as they face the greatest obstacles to gaining protection and necessary services. The sexual activity of domestic workers differs from that of the general population. Housemaids are more likely to be coerced into having sex and to have had sex before age 15 as compared to other young women. Housemaids often experience sexual violence by a person unknown to the victim, employers and male members of the household, brokers, or other intermediary persons. Sexual violence against housemaids remains usually concealed as victims cannot report such offenses. The most common reason for not reporting such violence was a lack of awareness of where to and for whom to report, a low level of education, and a fear of losing their work as they have few or no options for other work. In Ethiopia, the national prevalence of sexual violence among housemaids is not investigated. Also, forms and determinants of sexual violence and identification of perpetrators have not been well described. Thus, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the pooled prevalence of sexual violence amongst housemaids in Ethiopia. This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that nearly half of housemaids experienced at least one form of sexual violence by different perpetrators. Of the forms of sexual violence against housemaids, sexual harassment is high. Male employers are the vast majority of perpetrators of their housemaids. Thus, concerned stakeholders should develop and implement interventions that could empower housemaids in their struggle toward the elimination of sexual violence, create awareness for men, and prompt punishment of the perpetrators.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zemene Habtu Lakew
- Department of Nursing, Teda Health Science College, P.O. Box 790, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Endalkachew Belayneh Melese
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Prevalence of sexual violence and its associated factors among housemaids attending evening schools in urban settings of Gedeo zone, Southern Ethiopia: A school based cross sectional study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258953. [PMID: 34714839 PMCID: PMC8555818 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Housemaids are the most vulnerable group to sexual violence due to their working condition, isolation and school arrangements. Despite the ubiquity of sexual violence among the domestic work sector, particularly among housemaids, this area of research continues to be neglected. This study was aimed at examining the prevalence and factors pertaining to sexual violence among housemaids attending night school program in urban setups of Gedeo zone, Southern Ethiopia. METHOD A school based quantitative cross sectional study was conducted among 394 housemaids attending night schools in the urban setups of Gedeo Zone from April to May 2019. After stratifying of students using class grade, SRS technique was used to choose study subjects from each stratum. Quantitative data was collected using face to face interview and qualitative was collected using focus group discussion, in-depth interview and key informant interview. The data was entered and analyzed by SPSS version 20. Binary logistic regression was fitted to determine the association of each independent variable with the dependent variable. RESULT Based on the finding, the prevalence of sexual violence was 60.2%. The odds of experiencing sexual violence through working life-time as housemaid was higher for those who had migrated from rural to urban for work [AOR = 1.97: 95% CI, (1.07,3.63)], had less than 5 years of experience as housemaid [AOR = 3.10: 95% CI, (1.60, 6.00)], were in the age group of 15-19 [AOR = 3.75:95% CI (1.88, 7.46), ever used alcohol [AOR = 6.77: 95% CI, (2.65,17.33)] and whose fathers lacked formal education [AOR = 2.75:95%CI (1.24,6.08)]. On the other hand, unmarried /housemaids having no regular sexual partner were less likely to face sexual violence [AOR. = 0.28: 95% CI, (0.13, 0.57)]. CONCLUSION The level of sexual violence was found to be high among housemaids attending night schools in in this study. Housemaids from rural area, those newly starting the work, younger housemaids, and those who were married were more likely to be victims of sexual violence.
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Worke MD, Koricha ZB, Debelew GT. Prevalence of sexual violence in Ethiopian workplaces: systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Health 2020; 17:195. [PMID: 33298107 PMCID: PMC7724841 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-020-01050-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Workplace sexual violence is a significant public health problem in low and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia. However, except for individual studies with varying prevalence rates in different occupations, there are no national prevalence studies conducted in workplace settings in Ethiopia. Appropriate estimation of the problem is essential to formulate health service plans most fitted for workplaces. Hence, this review and meta-analysis intended to estimate the national pooled prevalence of workplace sexual violence in Ethiopia. METHODS The databases used were; PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and African Journals Online. For a critical appraisal of the papers, we used the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument for cross-sectional studies. The meta-analysis was conducted using comprehensive meta-analysis and MetaXL software. Descriptive information of studies was presented in narrative form, and quantitative results were presented in forest plots. The Cochran Q test and I2 test statistics were employed to test heterogeneity across studies. A random-effect model computed the pooled estimate prevalence with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS The pooled prevalence of workplace sexual violence was 22% (95% CI 17%, 28%). The pooled prevalence was 14.1% (95% CI 10.4%, 18.9%) for attempted rape, 8% (95% CI 5.7%, 11.1%) for rape, and 33.2% (95% CI 24.1%, 43.7%) for sexual harassment. The pooled prevalence was the highest among female university staffs 49% (95% CI 45%, 56%), and among commercial sex workers 28% (95% CI 3%, 59%). CONCLUSIONS This analysis revealed that the prevalence of sexual violence and sexual harassment in Ethiopian workplaces is high. It was also exceptionally high among female faculty staff, commercial sex workers, and workplaces in Tigray National regional state. Thus, concerned stakeholders must design and implement effective interventions to prevent workplace sexual violence in workplaces in Ethiopia and provide necessary support and care to the victims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mulugeta Dile Worke
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Zewdie Birhanu Koricha
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Faculty of Public Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Gurmesa Tura Debelew
- Department of Population and Family Health, Faculty of Public Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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