Prevalence and risk factors of gender-based violence committed by male college students in Awassa, Ethiopia

Violence Vict. 2009;24(1):122-36. doi: 10.1891/0886-6708.24.1.122.

Abstract

We sought to determine the prevalence and risk factors for the perpetration of gender-based violence among 1,378 male undergraduate students in Awassa, Ethiopia. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information. Nearly a quarter (24.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 22.1-26.7) of students admitted perpetrating acts of gender-based violence during the current academic year. Approximately 15.8% (95% CI 13.7-17.9) of students reported physically abusing, and 16.9% (95% CI 14.8-19.0) reported committing acts of sexual violence against an intimate partner or nonpartner. Alcohol consumption, khat use (Catha edulis, a natural stimulant), combined use of alcohol and khat, and witnessing parental violence were risk factors for committing gender-based violent acts. These findings suggest an obvious need for effective prevention programs targeted toward changing social norms on the use of violence.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aggression / psychology*
  • Anger
  • Coercion*
  • Cultural Characteristics
  • Ethiopia / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Life Style*
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Sex Factors
  • Social Perception
  • Spouse Abuse / psychology
  • Spouse Abuse / statistics & numerical data*
  • Students / psychology
  • Students / statistics & numerical data*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult