PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AMONG FEMALE STUDENTS: EVIDENCE FROM PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL IN KEBRIDAHER CITY, KOREHEY ZONE, SOMALI REGION, EASTERN ETHIOPIA

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.