Sexual violence and associated factors among high school female students in Shashemene town, southern Ethiopia

Abstract Background Although sexual violence against schoolgirls is worse in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries, such as Ethiopia, the extent of the problem and its contributing factors have not been sufficiently studied to guide policy. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of sexual violence and associated factors among high school female students in Shashemene town, southern Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1 to February 14, 2023. A total of 508 study subjects were selected from different high schools using a mix of multi-stage and simple random sampling techniques. A pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire was used to gather data. The data were checked, entered into Epi-Info version 7, and exported to SPSS version 26 for further data cleaning and analysis. Descriptive and binary logistic regression analyses were conducted, and the level of significance of the association was determined at a P-value < 0.05. Results A total of 508 female students participated, with a response rate of 98.1%. The prevalence of sexual violence was found to be 47.2% (95% CI: 43.3, 51.4). The associated factors were: age 18–20 years old (AOR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.05, 2.59), lower family income (AOR = 6.13; 95% CI: 3.28, 11.47), ever seen when mother being beaten by her husband (AOR = 2.53; 95% CI: 1.57, 4.08), chewing khat (AOR = 3.79; 95% CI: 1.81, 7.92), ever initiating sexual intercourse (AOR = 4.59; 95% CI: 2.32, 9.08), having awareness about other raped female students (AOR = 3.57; 95% CI: 1.93, 6.58), and perceived vulnerability to sexual violence (AOR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.09, 2.68). Conclusion The prevalence of sexual violence among high school female students was high. The problem needs due attention, and urgent multi-sectoral engagement is needed to address those identified factors, empower female students, and tailor remedial intervention for survivors of sexual violence.