Sexual violence among female undergraduates in a tertiary institution in Port Harcourt: prevalence, pattern, determinants and health consequences.

The prevalence, pattern, determinants and health consequences of sexual violence on female undergraduates attending the University of Port Harcourt in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria was investigated. The study was a cross-sectional study involving 413 female students, and consisted of self-administered questionnaires. Data were analysed using Epi Info v6.04d and presented as frequency tables. Associations were tested using Chi square and Odds Ratio, p < 0.05, at 95% CI. Mean age was 22.1 +/- 2.8. One hundred and ninety three (46.7%) had suffered from one form of sexual violence or the another. Fondling/grabbing of sensitive body parts was the commonest 65(33.7%) form of sexual violence. Intimate partners topped the list of perpetrators. Year of study (p=0.006, OR 0.57, CI=0.39-0.85), prior victimization (p=0.049, OR=1.52, CI = 1.00-2.30) and consensual sexual activity (p=0.001, OR=1.92, CI = 1.29-2.84) were associated with sexual violence. Depression and guilt were the major health consequences reported. Sexual violence is high at the University of Port Harcourt, which warrants targeted preventive action.