title: Sexual violence among female undergraduates in a tertiary institution in Port Harcourt: prevalence, pattern, determinants and health consequences.
abstract: The prevalence, pattern, determinants and health consequences of sexual violence on female undergraduates attending the University of Port Harcourt in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria was investigated. The study was a cross-sectional study involving 413 female students, and consisted of self-administered questionnaires. Data were analysed using Epi Info v6.04d and presented as frequency tables. Associations were tested using Chi square and Odds Ratio, p < 0.05, at 95% CI. Mean age was 22.1 +/- 2.8. One hundred and ninety three (46.7%) had suffered from one form of sexual violence or the another. Fondling/grabbing of sensitive body parts was the commonest 65(33.7%) form of sexual violence. Intimate partners topped the list of perpetrators. Year of study (p=0.006, OR 0.57, CI=0.39-0.85), prior victimization (p=0.049, OR=1.52, CI = 1.00-2.30) and consensual sexual activity (p=0.001, OR=1.92, CI = 1.29-2.84) were associated with sexual violence. Depression and guilt were the major health consequences reported. Sexual violence is high at the University of Port Harcourt, which warrants targeted preventive action.
authors: Margaret-Mary M M M
authors: MM
authors: Mezie-Okoye
authors: Folusho F
authors: FF
authors: Alamina
mesh_terms: D019548:Crime Victims / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology*; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology*