Prevalence, experiences and factors influencing gender-based violence among women refugees in Ogoja, Nigeria

Introduction: Armed conflict in Africa has led to the displacement of over 24.2 million people resulting in increased number refugees. Refugee women are at increased risk of gender-based violence (GBV). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, experiences and factors influencing gender-based violence (GBV) among women refugees in Ogoja, Nigeria. Methodology: The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive design with quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. The study population comprised of women refugees (18 years and above) who were resident in the three main refugee camps in Ogoja. The sample size was 685 participants for the quantitative method and 90 for the qualitative method. Simple random sampling method was used to select 685 women refugees for quantitative method while 90 participants were purposively selected for the qualitative part of the study. The results from the quantitative method were analyzed using SPSS version 25 while the qualitative data were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using thematic coding. Results: The study showed 146(21.4%) cases of GBV among the respondents. Some of the participants 139(20.3%) have been slapped, 118(17.2%) have been punched, 86(12.7%) have had arm twisted or hair pulled, 78(11.3%) have been threatened with knife/gun /weapon. The qualitative data revealed that the major factors influencing GBV in the study area were hunger, unemployment and lack of basic amenities. There is no formal gender-based health services available in the camp. Conclusion: The prevalence of GBV is high among refugee women in our environment and it is due to their poor socio-economic conditions. There is no GBV health services in the refugee camps in the study area. Hence, there is urgent need for individuals, communities, non-governmental organizations and government to channel resources and support towards the refugees and also provide GBV services.