ABSTRACT
Background: Sexual abuse is a public health problem that cuts across continents, countries, social classes, cultures, tribes and is posing a serious challenge on university campus.
Aim: To assess the knowledge, prevalence and effect of sexual abuse among undergraduate students in the University of Benin, Benin city, Nigeria and make recommendations as appropriate.
Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out among 500 undergraduate students of the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. Respondents were selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Self-administered questionnaires and key informant interviews were utilized for the study. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 and QRS Nvivo qualitative computer software program version 12.A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant.
Results: A higher proportion, 51.0% of the respondents were in the age range of 21– 25 years, and 60.0% were female. 93.6% were Christians, 99.4% were never married. Majority (83.4%) of the students were from non-medical faculties. Majority 79.8% of the respondent had a good knowledge of sexual abuse. Life time prevalence of sexual abuse among respondents was 64.0%. Period prevalence for duration of admission was 62.5%. Determinants of prevalence of sexual abuse were female sex (OR =2.234, CI= 1.532 – 3.527, P < 0.001), self-support in school (OR =0.637, CI= 0.416 – 0.977, p = 0.039), history of previous sexual abuse (OR = 2.587, CI= 0.416 – 0.977, P = 0.036) and history of abusive relationship (with OR =5.010, CI= 1.321 – 3.234, p = 0.023). Majority 257(80.3%) of victims experienced psychological effects such as depression.
Conclusion: The study identified that four-fifth of respondent had a good knowledge of sexual abuse.Two-third of respondents had ever experienced sexual abuse in their life time and since admission.The most common effects of sexual abuse reported were psychological. The University of Benin management should develop comprehensive education and training programs on the prevention, identification, and reporting of sexual abuse.
Keywords: Effect, Knowledge, Prevalence, Sexual abuse, Undergraduates, University of Benin
