Sexual Violence During Clinical Practice: Prevalence and Associated Factors Among Graduating Health Science Students, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study, 2025
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Date
2025-06-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Sexual violence during clinical practice is a critical issue affecting the safety and professional development of health science students. Despite its impact, research in Addis Ababa remains limited, leaving a gap in evidence-based interventions.
Objective: This pioneering study examines the prevalence and associated factors of sexual violence among graduating health science students in Addis Ababa, providing essential insights for institutional reforms and policy development.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 276 graduating health science students from two major governmental teaching hospitals in Addis Ababa. Participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique, ensuring representation from various health science disciplines. Data collection was carried out through a structured, self-administered questionnaire, adapted from internationally recognized frameworks. Descriptive statistics
summarized key variables, while chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression identified independent predictors of sexual violence.
Results: Over 53.3% of students reported experiencing sexual violence during clinical attachments. The most common form was physical harassment (42.2%), followed by verbal harassment (32%). Female students faced a significantly higher risk (AOR = 5.00, 95% CI: 2.80–9.22, p < 0.001), and single students were more vulnerable (AOR = 3.46, 95% CI: 1.40 8.20, p = 0.005). Medical students were at greater risk compared to those in nursing,
midwifery, pharmacy, and laboratory sciences. Institutional gaps—including limited training on sexual harassment (83.3%) and weak reporting systems—contributed to low reporting rates (16%), further exacerbating the issue.
Conclusion: This study highlights the urgent need for policy reforms to protect students in clinical environments. Strengthening anti-harassment measures, enforcing institutional reporting systems, and integrating mandatory awareness training are essential for ensuring safer learning conditions. Future research should explore long-term effects and test intervention strategies to support affected students and prevent workplace sexual violence in
healthcare settings.
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Keywords
Addis Ababa, Associated Factors, Clinical Attachment, Ethiopia, Health Science Students, Prevalence, Sexual Violence