Prevalence and patterns of gender-based violence across adolescent girls and young women in Mombasa, Kenya

Magnitude and associated factors of sexual violence among female housemaids attending night school in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia: Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study, 2022

BACKGROUND

Sexual violence is a major public health problem that affects the health and well-being of millions of young people. Housemaids are the most vulnerable group to sexual violence due to their nature of work. It leads to various physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health problems, especially in our country's context. However, they have limited information regarding the magnitude and the factors associated with sexual violence among housemaids. As a result, the purpose of this study was to determine the magnitude and risk factors for sexual violence among female housemaids attending night school in Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2022.

METHOD

An institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 340 housemaids attending night school in Bahir Dar city from May 15 to June 20, 2022. Participants were selected using simple random sampling through computer-generated techniques. An interviewer-administered, structured questionnaire was used. Data were entered, coded, and cleaned using EPI Data version 4.6.0.2, and exported to SPSS version 26 for further analysis. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were done to identify factors associated with sexual violence. P-value and 95% confidence interval were used to declare the statistical association.

RESULT

The magnitude of sexual violence after being a housemaid was 30.3% with a 95% confidence interval (25.3-35.38). Ever had sex [Adjusted Odds Ratio(AOR) = 4.67; 95%; Confidence Interval(CI) (2.60, 8.39)], no discussion of sexual and reproductive issues [Adjusted Odds Ratio(AOR) = 2.32; 95%; Confidence Interval(CI) (1.29, 4.16)], poor social support [Adjusted Odds Ratio(AOR) = 2.69; 95%; Confidence Interval(CI) (1.32, 5.52)], were identified as factors associated with sexual violence among housemaids. Similarly, academic performance [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 0.96; 95%; Confidence Interval (CI) (0.93, 0.99)], and distance to reach school [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 2.04; 95%; Confidence Interval (CI) (1.19, 3.48)] were identified as factors associated with sexual violence among housemaids.

CONCLUSION

This study identified that the magnitude of sexual violence among housemaids was high. Housemaids who ever had sex, no discussion of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) with anyone, poor social support, poor academic performance, and distance to reach school were factors associated with sexual violence. Therefore, creating a sexual and reproductive health (SRH) discussion session for housemaids is important for securing their sexual rights.

Childhood and adolescent factors shaping vulnerability to underage entry into sex work: a quantitative hierarchical analysis of female sex workers in Nairobi, Kenya

OBJECTIVE

To explore factors associated with early age at entry into sex work, among a cohort of female sex workers (FSWs) in Nairobi, Kenya.

BACKGROUND

Younger age at sex work initiation increases the risk of HIV acquisition, condom non-use, violence victimisation and alcohol and/or substance use problems. This study aimed to understand factors in childhood and adolescence that shape the vulnerability to underage sex work initiation.

DESIGN

Building on previous qualitative research with this cohort, analysis of behavioural-biological cross-sectional data using hierarchical logistic regression.

PARTICIPANTS AND MEASURES

FSWs aged 18-45 years were randomly selected from seven Sex Workers Outreach Programme clinics in Nairobi, and between June and December 2019, completed a baseline behavioural-biological survey. Measurement tools included WHO Adverse Childhood Experiences, Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test and questionnaires on sociodemographic information, sexual risk behaviours and gender-based violence. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were conducted using hierarchical modelling.

RESULTS

Of the 1003 FSWs who participated in the baseline survey (response rate 96%), 176 (17.5%) initiated sex work while underage (<18 years). In the multivariable analysis, factors associated with entering sex work while underage included incomplete secondary school education (aOR=2.82; 95% CI=1.69 to 4.73), experiencing homelessness as a child (aOR=2.20; 95% CI=1.39 to 3.48), experiencing childhood physical or sexual violence (aOR=1.85; 95% CI=1.09 to 3.15), young age of sexual debut (≤15 years) (aOR=5.03; 95% CI=1.83 to 13.79) and being childless at time of sex work initiation (aOR=9.80; 95% CI=3.60 to 26.66).

CONCLUSIONS

Lower education level and childhood homelessness, combined with sexual violence and sexual risk behaviours in childhood, create pathways to underage initiation into sex work. Interventions designed for girls and young women at these pivotal points in their lives could help prevent underage sex work initiation and their associated health, social and economic consequences.

Utilizing User Preferences in Designing the AGILE (Accelerating Access to Gender-Based Violence Information and Services Leveraging on Technology Enhanced) Chatbot

INTRODUCTION

Technology advancements have enhanced artificial intelligence, leading to a user shift towards virtual assistants, but a human-centered approach is needed to assess for acceptability and effectiveness. The AGILE chatbot is designed in Kenya with features to redefine the response towards gender-based violence (GBV) among vulnerable populations, including adolescents, young women and men, and sexual and gender minorities, to offer accurate and reliable information among users.

METHODS

We conducted an exploratory qualitative study through focus group discussions (FGDs) targeting 150 participants sampled from vulnerable categories; adolescent girls and boys, young women, young men, and sexual and gender minorities. The FGDs included multiple inquiries to assess knowledge and prior interaction with intelligent conversational assistants to inform the user-centric development of a decision-supportive chatbot and a pilot of the chatbot prototype. Each focus group comprised 9-10 members, and the discussions lasted about two hours to gain qualitative user insights and experiences. We used thematic analysis and drew on grounded theory to analyze the data.

RESULTS

The analysis resulted in 14 salient themes composed of sexual violence, physical violence, emotional violence, intimate partner violence, female genital mutilation, sexual reproductive health, mental health, help-seeking behaviors/where to seek support, who to talk to, and what information they would like, features of the chatbot, access of chatbot, abuse and HIV, family and community conflicts, and information for self-care.

CONCLUSION

Adopting a human-centered approach in designing an effective chatbot with as many human features as possible is crucial in increasing utilization, addressing the gaps presented by marginalized/vulnerable populations, and reducing the current GBV epidemic by moving prevention and response services closer to people in need.

Prevalence, Perpetrators, and Factors Associated With Intimate Partner Violence Among Adolescents Living in Urban Slums of Kampala, Uganda

Intimate partner violence (IPV) poses a public health burden, yet few studies have assessed co-existence of physical, emotional, and sexual IPV among adolescents. We assessed recent IPV victimization and associated factors and described IPV patterns and perpetrators among young people from urban slums in Kampala, Uganda. We conducted a prospective cohort study among 14 to 19-year-old individuals enrolled from March 2019 to March 2020 and followed quarterly for 12 months. We collected data on socio-demographics, sexual behavior, and substance use through interviews. Recent IPV victimization was documented at all visits if a participant reported experiencing physical, emotional, and/or sexual IPV in the past 3 months. Baseline factors associated with recent IPV victimization were determined using multivariable logistic regression. We enrolled 490 adolescents (60.6% female) with median age 18 years (Interquartile range (IQR) 17-18 years), 91.0% had less than secondary level education. Females mainly engaged in sex work (17.5%) and selling fruits/snacks (9.1%) while males commonly earned from sale of metal scrap or plastic waste (28.5%), 41% reported ≥10 life-time sexual partners, 16.1% were high-risk alcohol drinkers and 34.9% used illicit drugs in the past 3 months. Overall, 27.8% reported recent IPV victimization (20.0% females) with emotional IPV being common (17.8%). At baseline, recent IPV victimization was associated with high-risk alcohol consumption (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.57; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.44, 4.58]), reported paid sex in the past 3 months (aOR 1.82; [1.02, 3.22]) and being separated (aOR 2.47; [1.29, 4.73]). Recent IPV victimization declined from baseline to month 9 and increased at month 12 visits which coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. IPV victimization is high among young people living in urban slums with emotional IPV being prevalent. IPV interventions are needed and should also address excessive alcohol consumption.

Prevalence, patterns, and determinants of gender-based violence among women and girls in IDP camps, Mogadishu-Somalia

Background

Gender-based violence (GBV) against women and girls, is a global pandemic that affects 1 in 3 women in their lifetime. Somalia is one of the leading countries in human rights violations and has one of the highest rates of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) worldwide. Such violence is more prevalent among women and girls in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps who lack livelihood and civil protections. Therefore, this study was designed to identify the prevalence and the determinants of gender-based violence in IDP camps in Deynile district, Somalia.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study design conducted in IDP camps in Deynile District from August 1 to September 30, 2022. A total of three hundred eighty-four women and girls aged 18 years and above living in the selected IDP camps were involved in the study. The camps were selected randomly while households and participants were selected systematic random sampling. The recall period was set at 12 months (August 2021 to July 2022). Participants were interviewed by well-trained research assistants using pre-tested structured questionnaire. Data was entered into and analyzed with SPSS 25.0. Logistic regression was used, and the significance level was set at p value ≤ 0.05.

Result

The study revealed that gender-based violence was quite common in the IDP camps in Mogadishu's Deynile area. Physical abuse was the most prevalent type of GBV, which was primarily committed by intimate partners, parents, and other family members. The main factors associated with gender-based violence were young age (OR=4.77, 95% CI: 1.96-11.63, p<0.001), extended family structure (OR=7.89, 95% CI: 4.30-14.47, p<0.001), household size >5 individuals (OR=1.86, 95% CI:1.04-3.30, p<0.005), employment (OR=1.57, 95% CI: 1.0.41-2.32, p<0.05), substance misuse (OR=3.25, 95% CI: 1.57-6.73, p<0.05), a long distance to the nearest police station (OR=2.75, 95% CI:1.51-5.00, p<0.005), and camp safety protection (OR=1.94, 95% CI:1.24-3.30, p<0.005).

Conclusion and recommendations

There was a high prevalence of gender-based violence in the IDP camps in Mogadishu's Deynile area. The most common form of GBV was physical violence mainly perpetuated by intimate partners. The study recommends improving some of the modifiable factors that were strongly associated with gender-based violence.

Syndemic of factors that shape the early lives of women who enter into sex work: a qualitative methods study from Nairobi, Kenya

OBJECTIVE

To explore the structural and social co-factors that shape the early lives of women who enter sex work in Nairobi, Kenya.

DESIGN

Thematic analysis of qualitative data collected as part of the Maisha Fiti study among female sex workers (FSWs) in Nairobi.

PARTICIPANTS AND MEASURES

FSWs aged 18-45 years were randomly selected from seven Sex Workers Outreach Programme clinics in Nairobi and participated in baseline behavioural-biological surveys. Participants in this qualitative study were randomly selected from the Maisha Fiti study cohort and were interviewed between October 2019 and July 2020. Women described their lives from childhood, covering topics including sex work, violence and financial management.

RESULTS

48 out of 1003 Maisha Fiti participants participated in the in-depth qualitative interviews. FSWs described how physical and sexual violence, poverty and incomplete education in their childhood and adolescence intertwined with early pregnancy, marriage, intimate partner violence and relationship breakdown in their adolescence and early adulthood. The data analysis found clear syndemic relationships between these risk factors, particularly childhood violence, poverty and incomplete education and highlighted pathways leading to financial desperation and caring for dependents, and subsequent entry into sex work. Women perceived sex work as risky and most would prefer alternative work if possible, but it provided them with some financial independence and agency.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study in Kenya to qualitatively explore the early lives of sex workers from a syndemic perspective. This method identified the pivotal points of (1) leaving school early due to poverty or pregnancy, (2) breakdown of early intimate relationships and (3) women caring for dependents on their own. Complex, multi-component structural interventions before these points could help increase school retention, reduce teenage pregnancy, tackle violence, support young mothers and reduce entry into sex work and the risk that it entails by expanding livelihood options.

Prevalence and predictors of gender-based violence among Wolkite University female students, southwest Ethiopia, 2021: Cross-sectional study

Background

Gender-based violence is an important topic that needs to be taken into account when identifying gender-related gaps and disadvantages that a person might face because of their gender. Violence against women could result in psychological and physical adverse outcomes. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence and predictors of gender-based violence among female students at Wolkite University, southwest Ethiopia, 2021.

Method

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 393 female students and the students were selected by using a systematic sampling method. Data were checked for completeness and entered into EpiData version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 23 for further analysis. Binary and multivariable logistic regressions were employed to determine the prevalence and predictors of gender-based violence. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) at a p-value of ≤0.05 was used to check statistical association.

Result

In this study, the overall prevalence of gender-based violence among female students was 46.2%. The prevalence of physical violence and sexual violence was 56.1% and 47.0%, respectively. Factors that were significantly associated with gender-based violence among female university students were: being a 2nd-year student or having a lower educational level [AOR = 2.56 (95% CI, 1.06-6.17)], being married or living with a male partner [AOR = 3.35 (95% CI, 1.07-10.5], having a father with no formal education [AOR = 15.46 (95% CI, 5.204-45.39)], having a drinking habit [AOR = 2.53 (95% CI, 1.21-6.30)] and not being able to freely discuss issues with their families [AOR = 2.48 (95% CI, 1.27-4.84)].

Conclusions and recommendations

The result of this study showed that more than one-third of the participants were exposed to gender-based violence. Thus, gender-based violence is an important topic deserving of more consideration; further investigations are important to decrease gender-based violence among university students.

The Epidemiology of Young People's Work and Experiences of Violence in Nine Countries: Evidence from the Violence against Children Surveys

Globally, 497 million young people (15-24 years) are in the labour force. The current research on work and violence indicates reciprocal links across the life course. This study draws on data from 35,723 young people aged 13-24 years in the Violence Against Children Surveys (VACS) in nine countries to describe the epidemiology of work in order to explore associations between (1) current work and violence and (2) childhood violence and work in a hazardous site in young adulthood. The prevalence of past-year work among 13-24-year-olds was highest in Malawi: 82.4% among young men and 79.7% among young women. In most countries, young women were more likely to be working in family or domestic dwellings (range: 23.5-60.6%) compared to men (range: 8.0-39.0%), while men were more likely to be working on a farm. Work in a hazardous site was higher among young men compared to women in every country. Among children aged 13-17 years, we found significant positive associations between past-year work and violence among girls in three countries (aORs between 2.14 and 3.07) and boys in five countries (aORs 1.52 to 3.06). Among young people aged 18-24 years, we found significant positive associations among young women in five countries (aORs 1.46 to 2.61) and among young men in one country (aOR 2.62). Associations between childhood violence and past-year work in a hazardous site among 18-24-year-olds were significant in one country among girls and in three countries among boys. Continued efforts are needed to prevent hazardous work, improve work environments, and integrate violence prevention efforts into workplaces.

Mental health challenges and perceived risks among female sex Workers in Nairobi, Kenya

BACKGROUND

Female sex workers (FSWs) in Kenya are at an increased risk of violence, poverty, police arrest, and problematic alcohol and other substance use, all of which are linked to poor mental health and suicidal ideation. Despite the psychological stressors experienced by FSWs, there is no published qualitative methods research investigating their mental health experiences in Kenya. In this paper, we draw on data from in-depth interviews to examine FSWs' lifetime mental health experiences and perceived risk factors.

METHODS

We used baseline in-depth interviews of the Maisha Fiti longitudinal study of FSWs in Nairobi. We randomly selected 40 FSWs from 1003 FSWs who attended a baseline behavioural-biological interview as part of the Maisha Fiti study. The interview guide was semi-structured, and participants were asked to detail their life stories, including narrating specific events such as entry into sex work, experiences of violence, mental health experiences, and use of alcohol and other substances. Interviews were recorded in Kiswahili/ English and transcribed in English. Data were coded and thematically analysed in Nvivo (v.12).

RESULTS

Results indicated that the majority of participants understood 'mental health' as 'insanity', 'stress', 'depression', and 'suicide'; nevertheless, a number described mental health symptomatically, while a few believed that mental health problems were caused by witchcraft. Interestingly, poverty, low levels of education, poor job opportunities, a lack of family support, harmful gender norms, intimate partner violence and subsequent relationship breakdowns, and family bereavement all contributed to poor mental health and subsequent entry into sex work. In addition, the consequences of sex work such as sexual risks, and ongoing violence from police and clients, further exacerbated poor mental health.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a need for both micro- and macro interventions to address poverty and violence against FSWs in Kenya, thereby reducing mental health problems. Addressing violence against women and girls may also reduce entry into sex work. Improving mental health literacy and providing mental health intervention services for 'at-risk' populations such as FSWs should enhance coping strategies and help-seeking efficacy.

Sexual harassment before and during the COVID-19 pandemic among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Nairobi, Kenya: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

Sexual harassment among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) is a prevalent and understudied form of gender-based violence (GBV) with negative impacts on health and well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic raised global concern about GBV within homes; less is known about how it affected GBV in public spaces.

METHODS

Present analyses use cross-sectional data from a cohort of adolescents and young adults residing in Nairobi, Kenya, restricted to female participants. Data were collected August-October 2020 via phone after implementation of COVID-19 restrictions. Prevalence of past-year sexual harassment and harassment relative to COVID-19 restrictions were calculated for overall sample, and by individual, household, and pandemic-related factors. Multivariate negative binomial regression models examine correlates of (1) past-year sexual harassment and (2) increases in sexual harassment relative to COVID-19 restrictions.

RESULTS

Overall, 18.1% of AGYW experienced past-year sexual harassment at the 2020 survey. Among this group, 14.6% experienced sexual harassment pre-COVID-19 only, 18.8% after only and 66.6% at both time points. Among the latter group, 34.9% reported more occurrences following COVID-19 restrictions, 20.5% reported less occurrences and 44.7% reported no change in occurrence. Overall, 42.0% of AGYW experienced an increase in sexual harassment while 58.0% experienced no increase since COVID-19. In adjusted models, past-year sexual harassment was associated with higher educational attainment (adjusted risk ratio, aRR 2.11; 95% CI 1.27 to 3.52) and inability to meet basic financial needs (aRR 1.67; 95% CI 1.05 to 2.66). Increased sexual harassment since COVID-19 was associated with having full control to leave the home (aRR 1.69; 95% CI 1.00 to 2.90).

CONCLUSIONS

Sexual harassment among AGYW in Nairobi, Kenya was prevalent before and during COVID-19 restrictions. Safety in public spaces remains a highly gendered issue that impacts women's safety and ability to participate in public life. Prevention and support services to address sexual harassment remain an important element in ensuring safe, sustainable public spaces.

HIV Risk Factors and Risk Perception Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women: Results From a Population-Based Survey in Western Kenya, 2018

BACKGROUND

In sub-Saharan Africa, HIV prevalence in adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) is 2-fold to 3-fold higher than that in adolescent boys and young men. Understanding AGYW's perception of HIV risk is essential for HIV prevention efforts.

METHODS

We analyzed data from a HIV biobehavioral survey conducted in western Kenya in 2018. Data from AGYW aged 15-24 years who had a documented HIV status were included. We calculated weighted prevalence and evaluated factors associated with outcomes of interest (HIV infection and high risk perception) using generalized linear models to calculate prevalence ratios.

RESULTS

A total of 3828 AGYW were included; 63% were aged 15-19 years. HIV prevalence was 4.5% and 14.5% of sexually active AGYW had high risk perception. Over 70% of participants had accessed HIV testing and counseling in the past 12 months. Factors associated with both HIV infection and high risk perception included having an HIV-positive partner or partner with unknown status and having a sexually transmitted infection in the past 12 months. Having an older (by ≥10 years) partner was associated with HIV infection, but not high risk perception. Less than 30% of sexually active AGYW with 3 or more HIV risk factors had high perception of HIV risk.

CONCLUSION

Gaps in perceived HIV risk persist among AGYW in Kenya. High access to HIV testing and prevention services in this population highlights platforms through which AGYW may be reached with improved risk counseling, and to increase uptake of HIV prevention strategies.

HIV prevention programme with young women who sell sex in Mombasa, Kenya: learnings for scale-up

INTRODUCTION

In 2018, the National AIDS and sexually transmitted infection (STI) Control Programme developed a national guidelines to facilitate the inclusion of young women who sell sex (YWSS) in the HIV prevention response in Kenya. Following that, a 1-year pilot intervention, where a package of structural, behavioural and biomedical services was provided to 1376 cisgender YWSS to address their HIV-related risk and vulnerability, was implemented.

METHODS

Through a mixed-methods, pre/post study design, we assessed the effectiveness of the pilot, and elucidated implementation lessons learnt. The three data sources used included: (1) monthly routine programme monitoring data collected between October 2019 and September 2020 to assess the reach and coverage; (2) two polling booth surveys, conducted before and after implementation, to determine the effectiveness; and (3) focus group discussions and key informant interviews conducted before and after intervention to assess the feasibility of the intervention. Descriptive analysis was performed to produce proportions and comparative statistics.

RESULTS

During the intervention, 1376 YWSS were registered in the programme, 28% were below 19 years of age and 88% of the registered YWSS were active in the last month of intervention. In the survey, respondents reported increases in HIV-related knowledge (61.7% vs. 90%, p <0.001), ever usage of pre-exposure prophylaxis (8.5% vs. 32.2%, p < 0.001); current usage of pre-exposure prophylaxis (5.3% vs. 21.1%, p<0.002); ever testing for HIV (87.2% vs. 95.6%, p <0.04) and any clinic visit (35.1 vs. 61.1, p <0.001). However, increase in harassment by family (11.7% vs. 23.3%, p<0.04) and discrimination at educational institutions (5.3% vs. 14.4%, p<0.04) was also reported. In qualitative assessment, respondents reported early signs of success, and identified missed opportunities and made recommendations for scale-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Our intervention successfully rolled out HIV prevention services for YWSS in Mombasa, Kenya, and demonstrated that programming for YWSS is feasible and can effectively be done through YWSS peer-led combination prevention approaches. However, while reported uptake of treatment and prevention services increased, there was also an increase in reported harassment and discrimination requiring further attention. Lessons learnt from the pilot intervention can inform replication and scale-up of such interventions in Kenya.

Prevalence and associated factors of gender based violence among Baso high school female students, 2020

Background

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a common reproductive health problem, especially in developing countries. It is still the first research priority area in Africa that is identified by World Health Organization. The main aim of this study was to identify the prevalence and determinants of Gender Based Violence among Baso high school female students in Debre Berhan town, Ethiopia.

Methods

An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted in Debre Berhan, Ethiopia. A total of 350 female students were selected by stratified sampling technique. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Each independent variable was fitted separately into bivariate logistic analysis, and Variables with p-values less than 0.25 in bivariable model were fitted into multivariate logistic regression analysis to evaluate the degree of association with gender-based violence. The significance level was obtained with 95% CI and p-value < 0.05.

Result

The prevalence of GBV during the lock- down was 36.2% (95% CI 0.3, 0.4), and the lifetime prevalence of GBV was 47.2% (95% CI 0.4, 0.5). The prevalence of life time sexual violence and physical violence were found to be 27.99% (95% CI 0.2, 0.3), and 37.99% (95% CI 0.3, 0.4), respectively. Sexual violence and physical violence during the lockdown were found to be 21.3% and 17.8%, respectively. Respondents educational performance (AOR = 4.5; 95% CI 1.8, 11.3), monthly pocket money received from their parents (AOR = 3; 95% CI 1.6, 5.6), free discussion about reproductive issue (AOR = 2.7; 95% CI 1.4, 5.2), and experience of sexual intercourse (AOR = 13.2; 95% CI 4.8, 36.4) were found to be associated factors of gender based violence.

Conclusion and recommendation

Gender Based Violence is still a significant sexual and reproductive health issue in Ethiopia. Governmental and non-governmental organizations should give due attention to this problem. Moreover, further large-scale studies are needed to estimate the national figure of GBV and to identify route causes.

Gender-based violence (GBV) has been defined as any harmful act that is perpetrated against a person’s will and that is based on socially ascribed (gender) differences between males and females. GBV has a myriad of adverse health effects but is vastly underreported. It is the first research priority in Africa. Every form of violence has devastating effects on the school system such as physical and psychological effects, educational damage and societal breakdown. An institution based cross-sectional study was employed among Baso high school female students. There are four governmental high schools in Debre Berhan town and our study was conducted among Baso high school female students from November 2020–December 2020. The single population proportion formula was used to calculate the required sample size, and the final sample size was 350. First, a stratified random sampling method was employed by considering each grade level as a stratum. Then, a simple random sampling method was used to select the study participants. Study participants were asked about their Sociodemographic characteristics, family history, substance use, sexual experiences, physical violence status, sexual violence status and complications. Out of 350 students, 343 were completed questionnaires, with a response rate of 98%. Lifetime prevalence of GBV was 47.2%.Life time sexual violence and physical violence was found to be 27.99%, and 37.99%, respectively. Respondent’s educational performance, monthly pocket money received from their parents, free discussion about reproductive issue, and experience of sexual intercourse were found to be determinants of gender based violence. In conclusion; Gender Based Violence is still a significant sexual and reproductive health issue in Ethiopia. Significant amount of female students were victim of GBV in our study area.

OlaOlorun F, Koffi AK, Radloff S, Ahmed S, O. Tsui A. Gendered power dynamics and threats to sexual and reproductive autonomy among adolescent girls and young adult women: A cross-sectional survey in three urban settings

BACKGROUND

Gendered economic and social systems can enable relational power disparities for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), and undercut autonomy to negotiate sex and contraceptive use. Less is known about their accumulation and interplay. This study characterizes relationship power imbalances (age disparity, intimate partner violence [IPV], partner-related fear, transactional sex, and transactional partnerships), and evaluates associations with modern contraceptive use, and sexual/reproductive autonomy threats (condom removal/"stealthing", reproductive coercion, ability to refuse sex, and contraceptive confidence).

METHODS

Cross-sectional surveys were conducted with unmarried, currently-partnered AGYW aged 15-24 recruited via respondent-driven sampling in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (n = 555; 2018-19), Nairobi, Kenya (n = 332; 2019), and Lagos, Nigeria (n = 179; 2020). Descriptive statistics, Venn diagrams, and multivariate regression models characterized relationship power imbalances, and associations with reproductive autonomy threats and contraceptive use.

FINDINGS

Relationship power imbalances were complex and concurrent. In current partnerships, partner-related fears were common (50.4%Nairobi; 54.5%Abidjan; 55.7%Lagos) and physical IPV varied (14.5%Nairobi; 22.1%Abidjan; 9.6%Lagos). IPV was associated with reproductive coercion in Nairobi and Abidjan. Age disparate relationships undermined confidence in contraception in Nairobi. In Nairobi and Lagos, transactional sex outside the relationship was associated with condom stealthing.

INTERPRETATION

AGYW face simultaneous gendered power differentials, against the backdrop of gendered social and economic systems. Power imbalances were linked with coercive sexual/reproductive health experiences which are often underrecognized yet represent a potent link between gendered social systems and poor health. Pregnancy prevention efforts for AGYW must address reproductive autonomy threats, and the relational power imbalances and broader gendered systems that enable them.

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

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.