Prevalence and pattern of sexual assault among undergraduates attending Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State

Abstract

Aim/Background: Sexual assault is a major problem globally. It affects the victim physically, mentally, emotionally and psychologically. Most victims are women and seldom report the crime to relevant authorities. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and pattern of sexual assault among undergraduates attending Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State.

Materials and Methods: The study was a hospital based descriptive, crosssectional study. Three hundred and sixty female undergraduates  attending the hospital were consecutively selected and a semi structured questionnaire administered. The data was analysed using epi-info statistical software.

Results: Of the 360 female undergraduates studied, 7 (1.94%) reported being sexually assaulted. Victims were all single, were assaulted on/before the age of 18years, majority knew their assailants but none reported to the police.

Conclusion: The study found a prevalence of sexual assault of 1.94% among undergraduates attending Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital with  majority of victims being assaulted by family and friends and none reporting to the police.

Key Words: sexual assault, undergraduate, victim, assailant