Factors Contributing to Gender Based Violence Among Patients Attending to Out Patient Department at China-Uganda Friendship Hospital, Naguru.

Abstract

Background: Gender Based Violence is experienced in different forms by different individuals which could be physical, psychological, sexual, economical or sexual abuse. Studies have shown that GBV is still a public health concern globally and it’s associated with both psychological and physical consequences.

The main objective of the study was to determine factors contributing to gender based violence among patients attending OPD at Naguru hospital from June to July 2016.

As my methodology a descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in Naguru Outpatient department. Simple random sampling was carried out and a total of 371 participants were selected. Data was collected through interviewing participants who met the inclusion criteria using a structured questionnaire after coming out of the doctor’s examination room.

The findings showed that the rate of GBV is still high. 64.4% of the study participants had ever experienced GBV and only 35.6% reported to have never experienced GBV and of those who had experienced GBV 43.7% had experienced physical abuse, 24% sexual abuse, 12.7% psychological abuse and 19.7% other forms of abuse. Married partners were more likely to experience GBV and the most cause of violence was alcohol.

The study findings showed that the prevalence of GBV was still high. The majority of women who experienced GBV did not take action and it was attributed to fear and lack of financial support. For the respondents who took action, they reported to family members and religious leader.

The government should come up with a law that limit alcohol abuse because most cases of violence are caused by alcohol abuse Policy makers should plan for possible interventions on primary prevention of GBV which also include educating and sensitizing couples on the effects of GBV.