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