PREVALENCE OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG GRADE 9-12 FEMALE STUDENTS AT SCHOOLS IN AMBO TOWN, OROMIA NATIONAL REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Sexual harassment is the most pervasive but the least recognized human right abuse in the world particularly in schools. It is recognized in schools as detrimental to female students’ psychosomatic health and leads to poor academic performance and drop out from schools. Objectives: To assess the prevalence and associated factors of sexual harassment among grade 9-12 female students at schools in Ambo Town, West Shoa Zone, Oromia National Regional State, (ONRS), Ethiopia, 2012. Methods: Institutional based quantitative cross-sectional study design supplemented with qualitative research method was conducted from April 10-25, 2012. The study included 414 female students who were selected using stratified sampling technique with simple random sampling. Data were collected using structured and pretested questionnaires and entered into EPI Info then exported to SPSS for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic analyses were done to identify factors associated with sexual harassment in school. Finally, quantitative results were presented with appropriate tables and graphs as well as odd ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Qualitative data were collected through Focus Group Discussion (FGD) guided by FGD guideline questions and analysized using thematic analysis method. Results: The prevalence of sexual harassment among female students in school through their school life and past twelve months were 147(35.5%) and 138(33.3%), respectively. Living in urban area, being unmarried, having peer relationship problem in school, having parents not living together and had ever chewed khat were found to be significantly associated with last twelve months sexual harassment in school. Members of each group discussion also affirmed that there is all forms of sexual harassment in their school and they mention some reason for the occurrence incidents such as gender superiority, to funny themselves, being academically outstanding, being too muscular, being cosmetic female and immodest dressing. Conclusion: The prevalence of sexual harassment among grade 9-12 female students in the schools is high. Furthermore, having parents not living together, being unmarried, living in urban area, had ever chewed khat and poor relationship with school peer were significantly associated with sexual harassment. Therefore, ongoing awareness creation, preventive measure, participatory intervention and law enact are essential to reduce it.