Trends and Pattern of Gender-Based Violence: 8 Years Retrospective Study in a Tertiary Hospital in Bayelsa State, South-South Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71637/tnhj.v25i1.959Keywords:
Gender Based Violence, Retrospective study, Tertiary Hospital, Bayelsa state.Abstract
Background: Gender-based violence (GBV) is one of the most prevalent human rights abuses globally. This study reports an 8-year trend and patterns of GBV amongst survivors presenting in a tertiary health facility in South-South Nigeria and highlights the gaps in the Post-Gender-Based Violence care register.
Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study among 140 survivors, who received care at the Heart-to-Heart unit of the facility. A pro forma collected secondary data from the post-GBV facility care register of patients reporting any form of GBV over 8 years (2016 - 2023). Data was analyzed using STATA 14.2 and SPSS version 25.0.
Results: The majority 100(71.4%) of survivors of GBV were females. Over two-thirds, 91(65%) were aged 25 and older. Among the reported cases, 54(38.6%) involved sexual violence, while 87(62.1%) had experienced physical/emotional violence. The trend of GBV over the years shows an increase in the proportion of physical/emotional violence, reaching a peak in 2021. Statistically, being female, within the post-teen age bracket (20-24) and incidents occurring in the 1st quarter of the year were associated with sexual violence, whereas being female, in the older age group (25 and above), and occurring in the fourth quarter of the year was associated to physical/emotional violence. (p≤ 0.005)
Conclusion: The trend of GBV is a cause for concern in Bayelsa state Nigeria, affecting mainly young female victims. There are identified gaps in the post-GBV care register, and the information gathered was not optimal. There is need for a review and possible expansion of the register.
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