Prevalence and Risk Factors of Gender-Based Violence Among Female College Students in Awassa, Ethiopia

We determined the prevalence and risk factors of gender-based violence among 1,330 female college students in Awassa, Ethiopia. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire that collected information on experience with gender-based violence during three time periods (lifetime, since enrolling in college, and current academic year). The lifetime prevalence of gender-based violence was 59.9%; 46.1% of participants reported experiencing gender-based violence since enrolling in college, and the prevalence was 40.3% during the current academic year. Protestant religious affiliation, childhood rural residence, alcohol consumption, combined alcohol and khat (a natural stimulant) consumption, and witnessing domestic violence as a child were risk factors of lifetime experience with gender-based violence. Counseling for women who have experienced violence and awareness-raising programs aimed at preventing gender-based violence are needed in colleges.