Abstract:
Background: Gender-based violence (GBV) is a fundamental human rights violation and a major
global public health challenge, profoundly impacting women's physical, social, and psychological
well-being. Despite this, evidence remains scarce and the case continues to be underreported in
Kebridaher city, Somali region
Objective: To assess the Prevalence and associated factors of gender-based violence among high
school female students in kebridaher city, Somali region, Ethiopia, from February 1 to 20, 2025.
Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 224 female students
selected using a simple random sampling from four randomly selected high schools in kebridaher
city. A pretested and self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was entered
using Epi Data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 27 for analysis. Bivariate and
multivariable binary logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with gender-based
violence. Model fitness was checked using Hosmer-Lemeshow, significant associations were
declared at P-value < 0.05 and Adjusted Odds Ratio with 95% confidence intervals.
Results: The overall prevalence of gender-based violence among the female students in the study
area was 44.14% with a 95% CI of [37.71%-50.78%]. Specifically, the prevalence of physical,
emotional, and sexual violence was 31.98% [95% CI: 26.15%- 38.44%], 34.23% [95% CI:
28.26%-40.75%], and 22.07% [95% CI: 17.07%-28.04%], respectively. Ever used Alcohol [AOR=
3.61, 95%CI: 1.13,11 .59], have no male or female friend who drink alcohol [AOR=0.20, 95%CI:
0.06, 0.09], ever been in environment where sexual violence normalized [AOR=3.77, 95%CI:
1.15, 12.40], have not been used alcohol or drugs in situation of risks [AOR=0.34, 95%CI: 0.13,
0.91], and not aware of school administrative measures and presence [AOR=3.52, 95%CI: 1.16,
11.27] were significantly associated with gender based violence among female students.
Conclusions: The study reveals a high prevalence of gender-based violence among female
students, affecting approximately two out of five respondents. Several factors, including alcohol
consumption, exposure to environments where sexual violence is normalized, and lack of
awareness of school administrative measures were significantly associated with increased risk of
experiencing gender-based violence. Hence interventions that focus on reducing substance use,
increasing awareness of protective measures, and creating a safe environment would be enormous
in mitigating gender-based violence.
