Characterizing the current state of gender-based violence among adolescent girls and young women in Nigeria: a systematic review

Background: Gender-based violence (GBV), a pressing public health concern in Nigeria, leads to various negative outcomes among young people, particularly for young girls and women. These include trauma, unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and social stigma, negatively impacting the health of the population. This systematic review aimed to synthesize current research on the prevalence and factors influencing GBV among youths and adolescents in Nigeria. Methods: Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, we conducted a thorough search of databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar for relevant articles. We included observational studies that reported the prevalence and contributing factors to GBV or intimate partner violence in Nigeria. A risk of bias assessment was then conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklists. Data extraction was then carried out to capture relevant information, and a narrative synthesis was used to summarize the findings. Results: The study findings revealed a relatively high prevalence of GBV among Nigerian youths and adolescents. Key contributing factors include economic vulnerability, societal attitudes, limited access to formal education, and insecurity. Health outcomes of gender-based violence reported in the studies include unwanted pregnancies, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder among survivors. Conclusion: The high prevalence of GBV among Nigerian youths highlights an urgent need for targeted interventions. Addressing contributing factors, such as economic vulnerability and harmful societal attitudes, is essential to improve the health outcomes of survivors and reduce the incidence of GBV in the country.