Browsing by Author "Seifu, Nardos"

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    Prevalence and Psychological Impact of Sexual Harassment against Female Medical Students and Residents at Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences
    (Addis Ababa University, 2021-11) Seifu, Nardos; Dr. Hanlon, Charlotte (Psychiatrist); Dr. Asaminew, Azeb (Psychiatrist)
    Background: Gender based violence and sexual harassment remains a substantial issue facing women and girls around the world. Professional women are not exempted, including women who join medical school. Study objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and types of gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual harassment and associated psychological distress in female medical students and residents at Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences (AAU CHS). Method: The study design was a cross-sectional survey. Study participants include female clinical year medical students and residents at AAU CHS. The sampling technique that was employed was total population sampling with initial target sample size of 340, subsequently changed to 436 after inclusion of first year residents and new clinical year-1 students. The Sexual Experience Questionnaire was used to measure gender-based violence and sexual harassment. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item version (PHQ-9). Traumatic stress symptoms were measured using the PC-PTSD scale and anxiety symptoms were measured using the GAD-2. Open-ended questions were used to ask about reporting the incidents, any help obtained, unmet needs and preferences for sources of help. The questionnaires were administered as an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive frequencies and negative binomial regression to look at the association between GBV/sexual harassment and depressive symptoms, traumatic stress and anxiety symptoms. Results: Even though the questionnaire included sensitive questions, the response rate appeared to be representative of the population. A total of 368 women participated; 65.7% were clinical students and 32.5% were residents. Over one quarter (26.2%) self-identified as having been sexually harassed at the university. Based on systematic screening with the SEQ, the prevalence of sexual harassment among female medical students and residents was substantially higher (81.8%); with 77.2% experiencing gender harassment, 70.6% experiencing unwanted sexual attention and 36.6% experiencing sexual coercion. Of those who were sexually harassed, only 3.2% reported the incident. After reporting, 99.3% did not receive any support frommedical school and 97.9% did not receive any help from other institutions. From the women who had received help, 100% of them reported that it was inadequate. 11.1% of the respondents indicated to have moderate depression while 4.1 % of the participants indicated moderately severe and severe depression (each). 38 respondents (10.3%) responded ‘’yes’’ for 4 out of the 5 questions on the PC-PTSD screening tool indicating possible PTSD. 14.1% of the respondents scored 3 points (the cutoff point) on the GAD-2 indicating a possible anxiety disorder. Total sexual harassment score and subscales were strongly associated with depression, traumatic stress and anxiety scores. The top three recommendations the women forwarded were to take appropriate actions against the perpetrators, to empower women and increase awareness about the problem. Conclusions: The study signifies the presence of high prevalence of sexual harassment within the institution. Despite the high figure, there seems to be low perception of sexual harassment, under reporting and inadequate response. One apparent impact is on women’s mental health. Participating women identified key actions that need to be taken so that harassment can be reduced and women who experience harassment can be better supported.