Prevalence And Factors Associated With Sexual Harassment Among Female Undergraduate Students Of A Tertiary Institution In Sokoto State, Nigeria

INTRODUCTION Sexual harassment has become a public health problem in higher institutions globally. Females are more vulnerable, considered weak and given less attention hence have lower voices. This study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with sexual harassment among female undergraduates in a tertiary institution in Sokoto State. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among 232 female undergraduates in Sokoto between March and April 2021. The respondents were selected by multi-stage sampling technique. Data was collected using a semi-structured self administered questionnaire (ODK). Descriptive statistics was done, as well as inferential statistics to determine significant association (p<0.05). RESULTS The lifetime and current prevalence of sexual harassment among the respondents were 44.8% and 26.7% respectively. Education funding (p=0.004) and Employment status (p=0.001) were significantly associated with current sexual harassment while tribe was significantly associated with lifetime sexual harassment (p=0.026). Female students who were unemployed were ≈6 times more likely to experience sexual harassment (SH) compared to students who were employed (OR = 5.744 [C.I = 2.015, 16.368]). Female students who were Hausa/Fulani were ≈3 times less likely to experience sexual harassment compared to female students of other tribes (OR = 0.399 [C.I = 0.200, 0.798]). CONCLUSION This study showed a high lifetime and current prevalence of sexual harassment among respondents. Employment status and tribe were the predictors of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment awareness campaigns should be conducted by student associations and the school authority to enlighten/empower students periodically.