Hidden gender-based violence and its causes among women in Okugu Refugee Camp, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive global issue that transcends cultural, economic and educational boundaries, with an exceptionally high prevalence among refugees. Despite extensive research on GBV in Ethiopia, evidence of its occurrence in refugee settings remains limited. Objective To examine the prevalence and contributing factors of GBV among reproductive-age women in the Okugu Refugee Camp, Gambella, Ethiopia. Study design A facility-based cross-sectional study. Participants This study analysed 416 reproductive-age women living in Okugu Refugee Camp. Setting The study was conducted in the Okugu Refugee Camp from 15 March to 30 May 2023. Primary and secondary outcome measures The study’s primary outcome was gender-based violence, while the secondary outcome focused on the factors influencing it. Result A total of 422 reproductive-age women participated in the study, with a response rate of 98.6%. The prevalence of gender-based violence was 64.4% (95% CI: 59% to 69%). Among the participants, 51.9% experienced physical violence, while 34.9% had a history of sexual violence. Factors, illiterate women (AOR=2.73, 95% CI: 1.509 to 4.942), those who had lived in the camp for more than 4 years (AOR=3.24, 95% CI: 1.964 to 5.372), women who did not discuss sexual intercourse with their family or intimate partner (AOR=4.7, 95% CI: 2.83 to 7.80) and women who consumed alcohol (AOR=2.19, 95% CI: 1.30 to 3.69) were at significantly higher risk of experiencing gender-based violence. Conclusion Gender-based violence in the study area was highly prevalent. Key determinants included illiteracy, alcohol consumption, lack of discussion and prolonged stay in the camp. Stakeholders should prioritise interventions such as promoting female education, fostering open discussions and addressing substance use to mitigate gender-based violence in the refugee camp.