Prevalence and risk factors of gender-based violence among female college students in Awassa, Ethiopia.
We determined the prevalence and risk factors of gender-based violence among 1,330 female college students in Awassa, Ethiopia. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire that collected information on experience with gender-based violence during three time periods (lifetime, since enrolling in college, and current academic year). The lifetime prevalence of gender-based violence was 59.9%; 46.1% of participants reported experiencing gender-based violence since enrolling in college, and the prevalence was 40.3% during the current academic year. Protestant religious affiliation, childhood rural residence, alcohol consumption, combined alcohol and khat (a natural stimulant) consumption, and witnessing domestic violence as a child were risk factors of lifetime experience with gender-based violence. Counseling for women who have experienced violence and awareness-raising programs aimed at preventing gender-based violence are needed in colleges.
Arnold
Dodie
D
University of Washington, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Seattle 98195, USA.
Gelaye
Bizu
B
Goshu
Miruts
M
Berhane
Yemane
Y
Williams
Michelle A
MA
D000328:Adult; D018585:Battered Women / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003376:Counseling / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005002:Ethiopia / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D015995:Prevalence; D012649:Self Concept; D012938:Social Perception; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016387:Women's Health