Abstract:
Gender-based violence is violence of minority groups, individuals, communities based on their
gender resulted in psychological, physical and sexual injury and deprivation of their right. The
study aimed to assess the Gender-based violence among undergraduate Ambo university
Hachalu Campus female students. A cross-sectional and exploratory study design was
conducted. A total of 93 undergraduate Ambo university Hachalu Campus female students were
recruited through systematic sampling techniques. Data was collected by using self-administered
questionnaires, structural interviews, and focused group discussions. Quantitative and
qualitative data was analyzed using SPSS software and quantitative data was analysis by binary
logistic regression and multivariate was used to identify associated factors and the strength of
statistical association was measured by adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.
Statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05. The lifetime prevalence of GBV, sexual
violence, and physical violence were found to be 63.2, 37.2, and 56.3%, respectively. The
prevalence of sexual violence before and after joining the current as well as in the current
academic year were 30.5, 37.2, and 22% respectively. Having regular boy-friends (AOR = 2.02;
95% CI:1.07–3.79), being sexually active (AOR = 6.10; 95% CI: 2.49–14.92), having female or
male friends who drink alcohol (AOR = 2.18; 95% CI: 1.26–3.77), students witnessed their
mothers being beaten by their partners or husband (AOR = 1.92; 95% CI:1.19–3.11) and joining
public school (AOR = 1.74; 95% CI:1.11–2.76) were significantly associated with gender-based
violence. The gender-based-violence was high in study area. This needs a due concern from
governmental, nongovernmental and civic organizations as well as other responsible bodies to
tackle factors associated with GBV in this study. Further large-scale studies incorporating male
students are warranted to elucidate the factors associated with GBV in Ethiopia.
