Prevalence and Predictors of Physical Violence among Students in Tertiary Institutions in Rivers State https://doi.org/10.60787/NMJ-64-1-258

Abstract

Background: Reports on the rates of physical violence (PV) in public institutions are minimal. We investigated the prevalence, pattern, and risk factors for PV among public university students.

Methodology: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 425 students from two public tertiary institutions in Rivers State in December 2021 during the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence (GBV) commemorated by the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Rivers State Branch. Descriptive analysis and chi-square test of difference were performed.

Results: The mean age of respondents was 22±3.09 years; 250 (58.8%) were females and 175 (41.2%) were males. Overall, 141 students had ever experienced PV with a prevalence of rate of 33.2% (35.6% in females and 29.7% in males) while 23 (5.4%) of students experienced it within the 12 months preceding the study and with most cases (95.7%) occurring in school. Males (90.9%) and intimate partners (47.8%) were the most common perpetrators. The most common form reported was a slap (14, 63.6%). A greater proportion of students who resided at home (Fisher’s χ2=15.367, P=0.001) and had sexual intercourse (χ2=16.964, P<0.001), were victims of physical violence. Significant predictors of PV were age (aOR: 1.10, 95%CI: 1.00-1.19) and ever engaging in sexual intercourse (aOR: 2.70, 95%CI: 1.55-4.68).

Conclusion: The prevalence of PV among students in tertiary institutions in River’s state was high, perpetrated mostly by males and intimate partners. Engaging in sexual intercourse significantly predicted its occurrence.