Sexual violence and associated factors among female night students in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Despite numerous efforts to prevent and control sexual violence in Ethiopia, the incidence continues to rise. It's crucial to have solid evidence to highlight the severity of the issue. Thus, this study aims to determine the overall prevalence of sexual violence and pinpoint the contributing factors among female night students in Ethiopia.

A comprehensive and systematic literature search was conducted across various electronic databases, including PubMed, HINARI, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, African Journal online (AJOL), and Google Scholar. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies, consisting of nine criteria. The heterogeneity of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane Q and I2 test statistics. The pooled prevalence estimate of sexual violence among female night students was calculated using a random-effects model.

Out of 6410 studies reviewed, six studies involving 2699 night students were deemed relevant. The pooled estimate of sexual violence among female night students in Ethiopia was found to be 43.58 % (95 % CI: 30.68, 56.48). Factors associated with sexual violence included rural residency (POR = 2.51; 95 % CI: 1.17, 5.41), alcohol use (AOR = 3.30; 95 % CI: 1.68, 6.48), having multiple sexual partners (POR = 2.78; 95 % CI: 1.97, 3.92), and a commute time to school exceeding 20 min (POR = 1.74; 95 % CI: 1.18, 2.58).

The research revealed that nearly half of female night students encountered sexual violence, with significant correlations identified between this violence and factors such as having multiple sexual partners, residing in rural areas during childhood, having a commute time to school of over 20 min, and having a history of alcohol use. To effectively address and prevent sexual violence, the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), policymakers, and stakeholders must prioritize these findings and take targeted actions.