Sexual Violence and Substance use among Female Students of Mizan-tepi University
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Date
2012-06
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Addis Abeba Universty
Abstract
Background: Sexual violence is a common and serious public health problem. The most
common place where sexual violence is experienced is school. Sexual violence usually occurs
when she is unable to understand the situation. The most important cause for this is substance
use.
Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of sexual violence and its
association with substance use among female students in Mizan-Tepi University.
Methods: Cross sectional institution based survey, using self-administered, anonymous
questionnaire and focus group discussions were done among female students of Mizan-Tepi
University from January to February 2012 to assess prevalence of sexual violence and its
association with substance use. A total of 604 female students were involved in the study.
Prevalence was determined using frequencies and logistic regression was used to estimate odds
ratios and 95% confidence interval using SPSS statistical package.
Result: Among respondents 66.3% and 63% were sexually harassed since joining the university
and in the current academic year respectively. The prevalence of attempted rape was 19.6% and
13.7% since joining the university and in current academic year respectively. The magnitude of
rape was 13.5% and 8.9% since joining the university and in current academic year respectively.
The life time prevalence of sexual harassment, attempted rape and completed rape was 75.4%,
33.5% and 20.7% respectively. Experiencing of rape in current year was significantly associated
with khat chewing (AOR= 4.24: 95% CI 1.92, 9.37), smoking cigarettes (AOR= 6.76: 95% CI
2.99, 15.28), drinking alcohol (AOR= 3.27: 95% CI 1.51, 7.11), having drinking friend (AOR=
5.60: 95% CI 2.46, 12.74) and using other substances like cocaine (AOR= 6.43: 95% CI 1.91,
21.64). FGD discussants explained that sexual violence is prevalent due to lack of facilities and
availability of substances around the campus.
Conclusion: The magnitude of sexual violence among female students of Mizan-Tepi University
was very high. There was significant association between rape and substance use by female
students. Therefore it needs urgent attention from concerned bodies to alleviate the problem.
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Keywords
Sexual Violence and Substance use