Boys should not be overlooked: Sexual violence victimization and associated factors among school-going adolescents in urban Ghana

Background: Adolescent sexual violence victimization is still less researched in countries within sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana. Objectives: To estimate the 12-month prevalence of sexual violence victimization and describe the differences and commonalities in the associated factors between school-going boys and girls in urban Ghana. Participants and setting: Students (n = 1692) aged 13-19 years attending Second Cycle Schools in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana participated in this study. Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey involving the use of a self-report anonymous questionnaire. Items measuring sexual violence victimization and correlates were adopted from the 2012 WHO-Global School-based Student Health Survey. Data analysis involved bivariable and multi variable approaches. Results: Overall, 17.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 15.7, 19.4) adolescents (males = 10.4% [95% CI 8.3, 13.6]; females = 24.3% [95% CI 21.5, 27.3]) reported sexual violence victimization during the previous 12 months. Girls (compared to boys) were nearly three times more likely to report sexual violence victimization (aOR = 2.74, 95% CI 2.01, 3.74, p < 0.001). Breakup, sexual minority status, and conflict with parents were uniquely associated with sexual violence victimization among females. Regardless of gender, adolescents who were in a romantic relationship (aOR = 1.63, 95% CI 1.19, 2.24, p = 0.002) and reported physical abuse victimization (aOR = 1.84, 95% CI 1.36, 2.49, p < 0.001) were more likely to report sexual violence victimization. Conclusions: The prevalence of sexual violence victimization among school-going adolescents in urban Ghana compares with estimates from sub-Saharan Africa, but also warrants the need for universal and targeted prevention regimes against the offence in both boys and girls.

Automated summary

The study found that the prevalence of sexual violence victimization among school-going adolescents in urban Ghana compares with estimates from sub-Saharan Africa, with girls being nearly three times more likely to report sexual violence victimization compared to boys. Specific factors such as breakup, sexual minority status, and conflict with parents were uniquely associated with sexual violence victimization among females. Regardless of gender, adolescents in romantic relationships and those who reported physical abuse victimization were more likely to report sexual violence victimization.