Determinants of Attitude Towards Gender Based Violence Among Adult Residents in an Urban Community in a Developing Country

Abstract

Gender based violence (GBV) has very strong and deep cultural roots in developing counties. This study assessed awareness and attitude towards GBV among adult residents in an urban setting, in other to raise awareness on need to stop GBV. A community based analytical cross sectional study was conducted, utilizing pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires to interview 400 consenting adult residents. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20.0 statistical software, statistical significance was set at p˂0.050 and 95% Confidence Interval. The mean age of respondents was 30.3 ± 8.9 years, they were aware of the term GBV, with mass media 281(70.3%) reported as their main source of information. Three hundred and forty three (85.7%) of them had negative attitude towards GBV while 57 (14.3%) had positive attitude. Gender (OR=0.102; 95%CI=0.036-0.292; p<0.001), marital status (OR=0.219; 95%CI=0.086-0.556; p<0.001), religion (OR=31.649; 95%CI=9.404-106.515; p<0.001) and knowledge of GBV (OR=0.428; 95%CI=0.181-1.015; p<0.001) were identified as significant predictors influencing attitude towards GBV. Gender, marital status and religion were identified as significant predictors influencing attitude towards GBV. Strategic stakeholder engagement and sensitization efforts can help foster better behavioural and cultural practices against GBV.

Keywords: Adults residents, Awareness, Developing country, Edo State, Gender based violence, Ogbe Community.