Perceptions of undergraduate students on the prevalence and factors that influence gender-based violence at the University of Botswana

Abstract

The prevalence and factors influencing GBV in institutions of higher education in Botswana is relatively unknown. We aimed to characterise the perceptions of University of Botswana (UB) students regarding the prevalence and factors that influence GBV at the institution. We conducted a cross-sectional study among UB undergraduate students using a self-administered questionnaire to establish their perceptions on factors that influence GBV among the university students and capture their demographic characteristics as well as their experience with GBV. A total of 196 questionnaires were used for the analysis and the majority (87.8%) of the respondents believe that GBV exists at UB and nearly half (46.4%) consider GBV to be of average prevalence. Low economic status had the highest average agreement score (3.8/5). Lobola or bride price also received a relatively high endorsement (3.1/5). Efforts need to aim to develop and implement strategies for reducing the burden of GBV.