PERCEIVED INDIVIDUAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL FACTORS PREDISPOSING TO SEXUAL HARASSMENT AMONG HEALTH EDUCATION UNDERGRADUATES OF AMBROSE ALLI UNIVERSITY, EKPOMA, EDO STATE

This study examined perceived individual and organizational factors predisposing to sexual harassment among health education undergraduates of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma and Edo State. The study was guided by five research questions, focusing on awareness, individual and organizational factors, the adequacy of university policies and reporting mechanisms, and prevention strategies. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population comprised 1,620 regular undergraduate students in the Department of Health Education during the 2024/2025 academic session. A sample of 546 students, representing approximately 33.7% of the population, was selected using proportional random sampling. Data were collected using the Perceived Individual and Organizational Factors Predisposing to Sexual Harassment Questionnaire (PIOFP-SHQ). The questionnaire covered demographic information and students’ perceptions of sexual harassment. Its reliability was assessed using test–retest procedures and Cronbach’s alpha, with coefficients ranging from.76 to.84 across five areas. Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation, with a mean of 2.50. The findings revealed high awareness of sexual harassment (M = 3.25), perceived individual factors (M = 2.90), and perceived organizational factors (M = 3.19). However, the existing university policies and reporting mechanisms were perceived as inadequate (M = 2.37). Prevention strategies, including appropriate disciplinary action, confidential reporting channels, awareness programs, programmes and clear policies, received positive ratings (M = 3.49). The study recommends strengthening institutional policies, improving confidential reporting systems, and providing regular awareness programs to promote a safe learning environment