Gender-Based Violence: Patterns and Its Association with Anxiety, Depression, and Alcohol Use among Undergraduates in a Nigerian College of Health Sciences.

Abstract

Background: Gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigerian universities is widespread, leading to severe psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. This study assessed and identified determinants of gender-based violence amongst undergraduate students in Osun State University, Osogbo campus and the relationship with anxiety, depression and alcohol dependences.

Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study employed multi-stage sampling. Data collection utilized the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and sociodemographic questionnaires. Gender- based violence (GBV) was assessed through participant self-report (Yes/No) and categorized into: physical (bodily harm, assault), sexual (non-consensual acts), psychological (emotional abuse), and economic violence (financial control) .

Results: Out of 409 respondents, most respondents were aged 15-20 years (50.6%), followed by 21-25 years (40.1%). 58.2% were female, with the vast majority being single (98.0%). Gender-based violence (GBV) was prevalent, with 37.9% having experienced one form. Among the respondents Psychological, economic, sexual and physical violence were 25.2 %, 21.7% 34.0%, and 31.8% respectively. The odds of experiencing GBV were 0.277 lower among respondents with family support compared to those without, a statistically significant relationship (p = 0.001, CI = 0.169–0.456). Similarly, respondents from monogamous backgrounds had 0.396 lower odds of experiencing GBV compared to those from polygamous backgrounds (CI = 0.220–0.713). Lastly, male respondents had lower odds of experiencing GBV than female respondents (OR = 0.227, p = 0.001, CI = 0.169–0.456).
Conclusion: The study reported high level of GBV and the positive relationship with links depression anxiety and alcohol use among the respondents, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and policy reforms.