Abstract:
Background: Sexual violence is currently a serious public health problem with both short and long-term consequences on women’s health. Globally on average, 1 in 3 women face sexual violence in their lifetime. Female industry workers are at an increased risk of sexual violence due to their working condition. However, there is no study about sexual violence among female industrial workers was conducted in Ethiopia and in the study area. Therefore, assessing the prevalence and associated factors of sexual violence among female industrial workers has supreme importance to address the problem.
Objective: To assess the prevalence and factors associated to sexual violence among female workers of large scale industries in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, 2021.
Method: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted on 807 female industry workers from September 2021 to October 2021. Systematic random sampling technique was employed to select study participants. The data were collected using structured questionnaires via face to face interview techniques. Epi data version 3.1 was used to enter data and exported to SPSS version 23. Descriptive analysis and Binary logistic regression was done. Initially bi-variable analysis were done and, variables with (p < 0.25) were entered into multi variable logistic regression model, Adjusted odd ratios were computed at 95% CI and a P-value <0.05 was used to identify significantly associated variables.
Results: From 807 participants included in the study 59.4% (95% CI of (56.0%-62.6%) female workers had experienced sexual violence in their life time. In multi variable logistic regression analysis age less than twenty five [AOR: 4.01(CI 2.81, 10.83), Marital status of never married [AOR (95% CI): 3.07(1.11, 8.46)], educational status of grade 9-12 [AOR (95% CI): 2.65(1.51, 4.66)], contract type of work [AOR (95% CI): 4.65(1.92, 11.22)], drinking alcohol [AOR (95% CI): 3.01(1.49, 6.09)], night work shift [AOR (95% CI): 9.01(4.53, 17.93)] were significantly associated with sexual violence.
Conclusion: This study has found that about sixty percent of female workers in large scale industries in Bahirdar City experienced any form sexual violence and most of the sexual violence occurs in work place. To resolve the problem it is important to create safe working environment and safe transport service for female industry workers during night shift.
Key terms: - Sexual Violence, Associated factors, large scale industry, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia