Abstract
BackgroundSexual violence is a profound social and public health problem in Ethiopia. Female students in institutions of higher education are highly vulnerable to sexual violence. Different studies conducted on sexual violence at higher education institutions lack consistency and inclusiveness. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to estimate the lifetime and twelve-month prevalence, and predictors of sexual violence among female students in institutions of higher education in Ethiopia.MethodsThis study used a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies conducted from January 1, 2000, to June 1, 2020, in Ethiopia. This review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Electronic databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Hinari, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and Global Health were searched using relevant search terms. Meta-analysis was performed using STATA 14 software. The I2 statistics and Egger’s test were used to assess heterogeneity and publication bias, respectively. Forest plots were used to present the prevalence and odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsThis systematic review and meta-analysis included 10 studies, 5790 study participants. The pooled lifetime and twelve-month prevalence of sexual violence among female students in Ethiopia was 49.4% (95%CI: 37.87, 60.96) and 36.02% (95%CI: 26.42, 45.62) respectively. Rural residence (OR = 2.13;95%CI: 1.33, 3.42), alcohol drinking (OR = 2.03; 95%CI: 1.44, 2.87), and ever had a boyfriend (OR = 2.07; 95%CI: 1.32, 3.62) were factors associated with sexual violence.ConclusionsThe lifetime prevalence of sexual violence among female students in institutions of higher education in Ethiopia was high. Place of residence, alcohol drinking, and ever had a boyfriend were statistically significant factors of sexual violence. Life skill training and law enforcement are needed to control alcohol consumption. Additionally, more focused interventions should be done in rural settings.RegistrationThis systematic review has been registered in the International Prospective Registry of Systematic Review (PROSPERO) with a specific registration number CRD42020155894.
Highlights
Violence against women is a significant public health problem, as well as a fundamental violation of women’s human rights [1]
Rural residence (OR = 2.13;95%confidence interval (CI): 1.33, 3.42), alcohol drinking (OR = 2.03; 95%CI: 1.44, 2.87), and ever had a boyfriend (OR = 2.07; 95%CI: 1.32, 3.62) were factors associated with sexual violence
Various studies revealed that older age [11], age at first sex [12], level of education [5, 6], rural residence [5, 11, 13,14,15], alcohol drinking [5, 11,12,13, 16], lack of pocket money [16], witnessed maternal violence [5, 11, 13], ever had a boyfriend [6, 14], ever had sex [17], unmarried parental status [5, 16, 17], non-discussion of sexual issues with family [11, 15] and low level of maternal educational status [7] are factors associated with sexual violence
Summary
Violence against women is a significant public health problem, as well as a fundamental violation of women’s human rights [1]. Substantial proportions of female students in institutions of higher education in Ethiopia have been subjected to sexual violence and its consequences due to different reasons [5,6,7]. Some of these reasons include lack of family control, the need to explore their newly discovered freedom, presence of pimp and pubs surrounding the campus, sexual experimentation, peer pressure, weak institutional administration, lack of comprehensive knowledge on sexual and reproductive health problems, substance use and financial insecurity [8,9,10]. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to estimate the lifetime and twelve-month prevalence, and predictors of sexual violence among female students in institutions of higher education in Ethiopia
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