Prevalence and Patterns of Gender-Based Violence Among Undergraduates in a Nigerian University

Background: Gender-based violence (GBV) is an umbrella term for any harmful act against a person's will based on socially ascribed differences between males and females. It can manifest as various forms of physical, sexual or psychological/emotional violence. Violence survivors and their famil...

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Main Authors: Ntishor Udam, Raphael Udoh, Emmanuel Essien, Iwasam Elemi Agbor, Bonaventure Michael Ukoaka, Ukeme-Obong Akpan Samuel, Esthermaria Otobong Udosen, Terem Gabriel Udam, Kosy Victor Kelechi, Favour Satkyes Bachi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: University Library System, University of Pittsburgh 2025-08-01
Series:International Journal of Medical Students
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Online Access:http://ijms.info/IJMS/article/view/2592
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author Ntishor Udam
Raphael Udoh
Emmanuel Essien
Iwasam Elemi Agbor
Bonaventure Michael Ukoaka
Ukeme-Obong Akpan Samuel
Esthermaria Otobong Udosen
Terem Gabriel Udam
Kosy Victor Kelechi
Favour Satkyes Bachi
author_facet Ntishor Udam
Raphael Udoh
Emmanuel Essien
Iwasam Elemi Agbor
Bonaventure Michael Ukoaka
Ukeme-Obong Akpan Samuel
Esthermaria Otobong Udosen
Terem Gabriel Udam
Kosy Victor Kelechi
Favour Satkyes Bachi
author_sort Ntishor Udam
collection DOAJ
description Background: Gender-based violence (GBV) is an umbrella term for any harmful act against a person's will based on socially ascribed differences between males and females. It can manifest as various forms of physical, sexual or psychological/emotional violence. Violence survivors and their families suffer greatly from the impact of GBV, which has major health, social and economic ramifications. This study assessed the prevalence and pattern of GBV among undergraduates, and respondents’ knowledge of its effects. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was employed in which self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 413 students in 7 faculties at the University of Calabar, Nigeria. The questionnaire inquired about the experience of GBV and the knowledge of its effects. Analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Results and Discussion: The overall prevalence of GBV among the respondents was 80 (19.4%), with emotional violence being the most prevalent experienced by the victims (18.6%). ; GBV was slightly higher in males compared to females; however, the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Other variables such as age, marital status and year of study were also not significantly associated with GBV (p>0.05). Most respondents agreed that GBV has psychological, social and health implications. Conclusion: The study showed that Gender-based violence is a problem in Nigeria, affecting both genders. Efforts should be geared towards addressing the factors that promote violence among both sexes through increased awareness and education. The university authority should implement precise and clear-cut sanctions and penalties against GBV  
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spelling doaj-art-e99db397e5e3427ebcfb9b72edd6c1a92025-08-20T03:36:34ZengUniversity Library System, University of PittsburghInternational Journal of Medical Students2076-63272025-08-01Prevalence and Patterns of Gender-Based Violence Among Undergraduates in a Nigerian UniversityNtishor Udam0Raphael Udoh1Emmanuel Essien2Iwasam Elemi Agbor3Bonaventure Michael Ukoaka4Ukeme-Obong Akpan Samuel5Esthermaria Otobong Udosen6Terem Gabriel Udam7Kosy Victor Kelechi8Favour Satkyes Bachi9University of CalabarB.Sc, MBBCh. University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, NigeriaMBBCh, FWACP. Federal Neuro-Psychiatry Hospital, Calabar, Cross River, NigeriaMBBCh, Community Medicine Department, University of Calabar, Cross River State, NigeriaB.Sc, MBBCh. Department of Internal Medicine, Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja, NigeriaMBBCh. University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Cross River State, NigeriaMBBCh. University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Cross River State, NigeriaMBBS. Kursk State Medical University, Kursk, RussiaMBBCh. University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Cross River State, NigeriaFifth Year Medical Student. University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria Background: Gender-based violence (GBV) is an umbrella term for any harmful act against a person's will based on socially ascribed differences between males and females. It can manifest as various forms of physical, sexual or psychological/emotional violence. Violence survivors and their families suffer greatly from the impact of GBV, which has major health, social and economic ramifications. This study assessed the prevalence and pattern of GBV among undergraduates, and respondents’ knowledge of its effects. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was employed in which self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 413 students in 7 faculties at the University of Calabar, Nigeria. The questionnaire inquired about the experience of GBV and the knowledge of its effects. Analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Results and Discussion: The overall prevalence of GBV among the respondents was 80 (19.4%), with emotional violence being the most prevalent experienced by the victims (18.6%). ; GBV was slightly higher in males compared to females; however, the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Other variables such as age, marital status and year of study were also not significantly associated with GBV (p>0.05). Most respondents agreed that GBV has psychological, social and health implications. Conclusion: The study showed that Gender-based violence is a problem in Nigeria, affecting both genders. Efforts should be geared towards addressing the factors that promote violence among both sexes through increased awareness and education. The university authority should implement precise and clear-cut sanctions and penalties against GBV   http://ijms.info/IJMS/article/view/2592Gender-based ViolencePrevalenceStudentsMaleFemale
spellingShingle Ntishor Udam
Raphael Udoh
Emmanuel Essien
Iwasam Elemi Agbor
Bonaventure Michael Ukoaka
Ukeme-Obong Akpan Samuel
Esthermaria Otobong Udosen
Terem Gabriel Udam
Kosy Victor Kelechi
Favour Satkyes Bachi
Prevalence and Patterns of Gender-Based Violence Among Undergraduates in a Nigerian University
International Journal of Medical Students
Gender-based Violence
Prevalence
Students
Male
Female
title Prevalence and Patterns of Gender-Based Violence Among Undergraduates in a Nigerian University
title_full Prevalence and Patterns of Gender-Based Violence Among Undergraduates in a Nigerian University
title_fullStr Prevalence and Patterns of Gender-Based Violence Among Undergraduates in a Nigerian University
title_full_unstemmed Prevalence and Patterns of Gender-Based Violence Among Undergraduates in a Nigerian University
title_short Prevalence and Patterns of Gender-Based Violence Among Undergraduates in a Nigerian University
title_sort prevalence and patterns of gender based violence among undergraduates in a nigerian university
topic Gender-based Violence
Prevalence
Students
Male
Female
url http://ijms.info/IJMS/article/view/2592
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