Experiences and Disclosures of Sexual Assault Among Nigerian Undergraduates in a Tertiary Institution

Abstract

Sexual violence, including sexual assault, is a significant public health problem on university campuses, but this may be seen as a private issue and it may be underreported. The objective of this study was to assess and compare the experiences and disclosures of sexual assault among male and female undergraduates in Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, southwestern Nigeria. A cross-sectional study of 1538 undergraduates who were selected using a multistage sampling technique was conducted. A pretested and self-administered questionnaire on the experience and disclosure of sexual assault was used in data collection. Chi-square test was used to assess associations between categorical variables, and the predictors of experience and disclosure of sexual assault were determined using logistic regression at a level of significance of 5%. The mean age was 21.9 ± 2.6 years and 58.4% were females. The prevalences of sexual assault one year preceding the study were 9.4% and 14.6% among male and female respondents respectively. About 36.7% of male and 44.3% of female victims shared their experiences of sexual assault with someone, mainly with informal support providers such as friends and family members. Majority (90.1%) did not disclose their experiences of sexual assault to a formal support system. Significantly, higher proportions of female respondents and those with any previous history of sexual intercourse experienced sexual assault one year preceding the study. However, age, marital status, and sexual orientation were not significantly associated with the experience or disclosure of sexual assault. Respondents with any previous history of sexual intercourse were more likely to experience sexual assault [odds ratio (OR): 5.1 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.86–14.06)]. Females were more likely to experience [OR: 1.5 (95% CI: 1.07–2.08)] and to disclose [OR: 1.8 (95% CI: 1.05–2.93)] sexual assault. Disclosure of sexual assault to someone was associated with increasing years of study. Sexual assault was quite prevalent among undergraduates in LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, Nigeria, and females were more affected than males. The high nondisclosure rate can be a barrier to the success of sexual assault preventive efforts. Targeted gender-based preventive interventions and policies are needed to address these problems in the institution.