Factors Associated with Knowledge and Attitude of Pregnant Women towards Gender-Based Violence in Benin City, Edo State

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a global public health problem with deep cultural roots especially in developing countries like Nigeria.  This study assessed knowledge and attitude of pregnant women  towards GBV in Benin City, to help curb this public health menace A  facility-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted. Pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires were interviewer-administered  to 500 respondents attending antenatal (ANC) clinics in Benin City, Edo state. Data  collected were analysed  using SPSS version 24.0 statistical software with statistical significance set at  p<0.050 and 95% Confidence Interval. The mean age of the  respondents studied was 30.2 ± 4.9 years,  462(92.4%) of them were aware of the term GBV, with media 293(63.4%), friends 251(54.3%)  and  family members 187(40.5%) reported as the main sources of information. Two hundred and ten  (45.5%) and 334(73.3%) of  respondents had good knowledge and negative attitude towards GBV respectively. The increasing level of education (p=0.009) and  occupation (p<0.001) were significant  factors associated with knowledge of GBV while employment status (p = 0.010) and level of  knowledge  of GBV (p<0.001) were significant factors associated with attitude towards GBV. Gaps exist between  knowledge and attitude  towards GBV among pregnant women in Benin City. Sensitization and  awareness creation on GBV during and outside the routine ANC  visits can help bridge this gap to  promote better knowledge and attitudinal change about GBV among respondents.