Prevalence and factors associated with non-partner sexual violence among in-school adolescent girls in low-income communities of Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria

Non-Partner Sexual Violence (NPSV) is under reported in many low-income countries including Nigeria. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence and factors associated with NPSV experience among in-school adolescent girls in low-income communities of Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 376 in-school adolescent girls in Ibadan, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to select respondents from senior secondary schools in two Local Government Areas with largest number of low-income communities. Respondents were assessed on experience of lifetime NPSV. Data were analysed using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression. Level of significance was set at 5%. Mean age of the respondents was 16.2 (SD 1.0) years. Majority of respondents were Muslims (57.7%) and only 29.3% had ever been in a relationship. The prevalence of lifetime NPSV among the respondents was 16.5%. The most frequently reported form of NPSV was being threatened or pressured to have sex (13.3%) and made to do something sexually when girl didn’t want to (2.9%). Reported perpetrators who were known vs. unknown was 56.5% vs. 21%. Significant predictors of experience of NPSV were, age 18 to 19 years (AOR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.06–6.4) and witnessing violence in childhood (AOR = 2.33, 95% CI:1.27–4.28). Non-partner sexual violence is prevalent among adolescent girls in low-income communities of Ibadan, Nigeria, with most girls reporting that perpetrators were known to them. These findings underscore the urgent need for preventive efforts, particularly those that consider perpetration as occurring in girls’ immediate social and familial environments. Non-Partner Sexual Violence (NPSV) is defined as a sexual act that is committed or attempted by someone (stranger, acquaintance, friend and other family member) other than husband or partner, without the consent of the victim or against someone who is unable to consent or refuse. NPSV is a traumatic experience with serious lifelong impact on the health and wellbeing of girls including physical, psychological health such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes have also been associated with NPSV, including unwanted pregnancy, unsafe abortion, high risk sexual behaviour, sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and death. Social consequences have also been reported which include school absenteeism, school drop-out, and engaging in high-risk behaviours such as alcohol and substance use. NPSV is under reported in many low-income countries including Nigeria. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence and factors associated with non-partner sexual violence experience among in-school adolescent girls in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria. We found that NPSV is common among the adolescent girls. The perpetrators of the act were males known to the girls who pressure them into unwanted sex. Most notably, the experience of NPSV was positively associated with having been in a relationship with male partner and witnessing violence in childhood.