Gender-Based Violence in Medical Students; An Analytical Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Objective: To establish the frequency and types of violence experienced by medical students, as well as to evaluate their degree of knowledge regarding gender-based violence (GBV).
Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from 04th June to 24th August 2023. The sample size was 208 with a 95% Confidence Interval. Data was collected from medical students in educational institutions by convenience sampling. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic data, and awareness of gender-based Violence. Data obtained were entered and analysed using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21. Chi-square test was used to compare awareness of Violence and sociodemographic data. p-value ≤0.05 will be considered significant.
Results: The mean age of respondents was 22.05 years with standard deviation 1.35 years. There were 91 males and 117 females. In medical students, 207 (99.5%) were aware of gender-based violence and considered it illegal but only 113(54.3%) knew how to report it. In medical students, 120 (57.7%) were aware of cyberbullying laws. Regarding factors responsible for violence low levels of education, societal norms and lack of women empowerment were perceived to be among the top three causes. In respondents, 64(30.8%) had experienced gender-based violence. Females had 2.14 times increased chances of facing violence. (p-value 0.016).
Conclusion: Gender-based violence is a prevailing public health concern that is significantly impacting the well-being of medical students. Females are more likely to face violence. Low levels of education, societal norms and lack of women empowerment are perceived as the main factors for gender-based violence