Assessment of Gender-based Violence in Ibadan, Oyo State, Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

This descriptive, cross-sectional study assessed Gender-based Violence (GBV) in Ibadan, Oyo
State, Nigeria. There were 10,046 respondents comprising 2,951 men, 1,622 pregnant women,
1,911 non-pregnant women and 3,562 adolescents. The study further examined the knowledge and
attitude of healthcare providers to survivors of GBV. The Domestic Violence Assessment Tool
(DVAT), a validated questionnaire, hosted on Kobo, was deployed. Data analysis was with SPSS
version 29. Inferential statistics examined data categories' relationships, while logistic regression
determined independent predictors of GBV, at a p-value of 0.005. The prevalence of GBV was
23.8% among women. Older (40-49years) women were more prone to GBV than younger
(p=0.001). Employment status, education level, number of children (p<0.001 respectively) and
years of marriage(p=0.001) were identified as key predictors of GBV among women. 11% of
pregnant women reported physical abuse from their partners. Pregnant women (30–39years) were
more likely to experience GBV than counterparts above 50years. GBV prevalence among men
was 13.7%, with younger men more vulnerable. Employment status, education status and years of
marriage (p<0.001 respectively) were identified as highest predictors of GBV among men.
Adolescents (10-14 years) were more likely to experience GBV. The prevalence of GBV was
15.36% among out-of-school and 3.06% among in-school adolescents respectively. The research
recommends pregnant women be screened for GBV during antenatal booking, men-centred
gender-based violence care be established at the grassroots level and that long-term support,
empowerment and client-focused care be considered, and sustained, across all levels of care for
GBV survivors