Assessment of Sexual Violence and Associated Factors among High School Students in Harari Regional State, Harar Town, Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Sexual violence is any sexual act that is perpetrated against someone's willingness including a completed and or attempt nonconsensual, abusive sex act. This study aimed to determine sexual violence and associated factors among high school students in Harar town, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among youth in high school students. Self administered questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from randomly selected 432 students and four focus group discussions were held with students by using interview guide semi-structured questionnaire to collect qualitative data. Data were entered to SPSS version 16.0 was used to analyze. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were computed to quantify sexual violence and associated factors. Statistical association was measured 95% confidence interval and adjusted odd ratio. Results: Sexual violence among in school adolescents were 25%. Students used addictive drugs like alcohol (18%), chat and shish (7.2%) as very important contributing factors for sexual violence’s. Use of physical force (15%), false promise (43%) and use of power (7.2%) reported contributing factors. Females dressing style, their act, peer pressure, revenge and males emotionality identified as contributing factors for sexual violence. Sexual violence had different consequences like abortion (32.2%), vaginal discharge (28.6%), genital trauma (25%), and unwanted pregnancy (14.2%). Conclusion: Sexual violence was common problem of in-school adolescents in Harar town. Female students’ behavior also contributed for their sexual violence. Sexual and reproductive health issue information should be provided to create awareness about reproductive rights and life skill.