Experience of sexual coercion and associated factors among female students of Ambo University in Ethiopia

Introduction: A growing body of evidence shows that sexual coercion is widespread among young women. Behavioral, lifestyle, and relationship factors have all been identified as risk factors that increase a women’s vulnerability to sexual coercion victimization. However, it remains unclear which risk factors most strongly increase young women’s vulnerability to sexual coercion victimization. Objective: This study aimed to assess level and factors associated with sexual coercion among female students of Ambo University in Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in January 2012 among 597 second year and above female students. Data were collected using the World Health Organization multicountry study self-administered questionnaire. Data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version16.0 Statistical Software. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify associated factors with sexual coercion. Results: More than one fourth of those who responded had previous sexual intercourse. The result showed that 76.4% and 43.7% have reported to have at least one incidents of sexual coercion in their lifetime and past 12 months, respectively. Rural origin of residence (AOR= 0.65, 95% CI: 0.08-0.89), having literate father (AOR=0.17, 95% CI: 0.05-0.6) were at decreased likelihood to experience lifetime sexual coercion. Yet, alcoholic consumption (AOR=1.53, 95% CI: 1.63-6.50), current parental living condition (AOR= 6.53, 95% CI: 1.38, 30.80), childhood witnesses of maternal coercion (AOR=5.77, 95% CI: 2.96-11.23) and as well as with having had more than one sexual partners (AOR=4.32, 95% CI: 1.1016.23) were factors associated with an increased likelihood of lifetime sexual coercion. Conclusions: In their lifetime, more than three out of four female students experienced at least one forms of sexual coercion. At last, it is concluded that this problem needs due attention by policy makers, university and other partners to make coercion free educational environment for female university students.