Gender-based violence among female youths in educational institutions of Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Alemu Sufa Melka,Addisu Shunu Beyene,Deborah Loxton,Hirbo Shore Roba,Catherine Chojenta

doi:10.1186/s13643-019-0969-9

Alemu Sufa Melka, Addisu Shunu Beyene + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-019-0969-9

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Abstract

BackgroundGender-based violence is a public health issue. The prevalence of gender-based violence is high in Sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, this study aims to produce an overall summary estimate on the prevalence of gender-based violence according to different types and its risk factors among female youths in educational institutions of Sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsStudies published in English between 2000 and 2017 were identified by searching electronic databases such as MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsychINFO, and other relevant data bases. Three reviewers independently extracted the data and assessed the quality of studies using the Loney guidelines. The pooled prevalence of gender-based violence and type of GBV was computed using STATA software version 14, and between studies heterogeneity was tested using Cochran’s Q test and I2 statistics. Meta-regression analyses were done to identify factors associated with GBV estimates.ResultsA total of 1377 articles were produced from different databases, and a final 24 articles were included in the review. The overall prevalence of gender-based violence ranged from 42.3% in Nigeria to 67.7% in Ethiopia. The lifetime prevalence of sexual violence ranged from 4.3 to 76.4%, physical violence ranged from 7.4 to 66.1%, and emotional violence prevalence ranged from 26.1 to 50.8%. The overall pooled prevalence of lifetime GBV (n = 7 studies) was 52.83% [95% CI 39.54–65.90%, I2 = 99.1, P < 0.00]. The pooled estimate of sexual violence (n = 23), 26.22% [95% CI 19.48–33.57%, I2 = 99.39, P < 0.00], physical violence (n = 9), 18.86% [95% CI 10.96–28.3%, I2 = 98.98, P < 0.00], and emotional violence (n = 5), 27.06% [95% CI19.57–35.28%], I2 = 97.1, P < 0.00]. The review showed that gender-based violence was significantly associated with place of residence, witnessing parental violence, substance abuse, marital status, and educational status.ConclusionsThe overall prevalence of overall gender-based violence, sexual, physical, and emotional violence was high in Sub-Saharan Africa. The lowest prevalence of GBV was observed in Nigeria, and it was highest in Ethiopia. However, the results should be interpreted with caution because of high between studies heterogeneity. Evidence from the review part revealed GBV was significantly associated with place of residence, witnessing parental violence, substance abuse, marital status, and educational status. The Sub-Saharan African countries should develop a comprehensive educational institution-based prevention strategy and effective interventions to mitigate gender-based violence and to specifically achieve the SDG5.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD4201073260

Highlights

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a major public health issue
In another study conducted by the World Health Organization, it was estimated that the lifetime prevalence of intimate partner violence among female youths aged 15–19 was 29.4 and 31.6% for ages 20–24
The review included only studies conducted between 2000 and 2017 in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) because most studies conducted in Africa focused on this area from the late 1990s in order to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, and no systematic review on GBV has been conducted in SSA among female youths in educational institutions

Summary

Introduction

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a major public health issue. It is projected that one in three women globally will face some form of abuse in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood [1,2,3,4]. According to the World Health Organization multicountry study on violence against women, the lifetime and current (past 12 months) prevalence of physical or sexual intimate partner violence ranged from 15 to 71% and 4 to 54%, respectively, and the prevalence of emotional violence ranged from 20 to 75% [6]. In another study conducted by the World Health Organization, it was estimated that the lifetime prevalence of intimate partner violence among female youths aged 15–19 was 29.4 and 31.6% for ages 20–24.

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