Prevalence of Sexual Harassment in a Faith-Based Institution of Higher Learning in South-Western Nigeria

Abstract

Tertiary institutions are ivory towers where academic and moral excellences are expected to be promoted. However, it has become where sexual harassment is a common deviant practice. This study aimed to determine the knowledge and prevalence of sexual harassment among college students in a private institution in Ogun state, Nigeria. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design to enroll 394 college students across the undergraduate levels of the university, using a 22-item self-administered validated instrument by a multi-stage sampling procedure. Demographic characteristics, knowledge and prevalence of college students on sexual harassments were measured.  The mean age of respondents was 18.84 ± 1.833years, with majority (71%) being between ages 15–19, and 70% being females. About 39% and 38% respectively confirmed they have been victims of sexual harassment or know friends that have been harassed sexually. Level of knowledge on sexual harassment was 3.90 ± 0.866 and prevalence of sexual harassment was 4.88 ± 3.194 computed on a mean and standard deviation scale, translate to a prevalence score of 40.67%. Prevalence of Sexual Harassment was high among college student even though they had good Knowledge. A more proactive measures needs to be put in place to curb the menace in a Christian own institution of higher learning.