Prevalence and risk factors of gender-based violence committed by male college students in Awassa, Ethiopia
Philpart, M.; Goshu, M.; Gelaye, B.; Williams, M.A.; Berhane, Y.
Violence and victims 24(1): 122-136
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 0886-6708 PMID: 19297890 DOI: 10.1891/0886-6708.24.1.122Document Number: 205422
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.