Factors associated with intimate partner sexual violence among young girls aged 15-24 in Union in Uganda

Abstract

sexual violence amongst young girls is a global public health problem. the study aimed to assess the relationship between sexual violence and young girls in union (married and living together) in Uganda. the objectives of the study were to establish an association between age and sexual violence, type of union, education, and region, wealth among others. I conducted multivariable logistic regression analyses of data using a sample of 1937 young girls, from the 2016 UDHS. We found out that region, employment, and education level were significantly associated with sexual violence. the odds of sexual violence were higher among young girls with primary education (OR=0.119, CI=0.024-0.58, P=0.008); women engaged in manual employment compared with other employment sectors (OR=1.821, 95%CI=1.220-2.717, p=0.003); eastern region compared with other regions (OR=1.740, CI=1.151-2.030, P=0.009). The odds reduced with advancement in education and employment towards sexual violence. interventions to reduce sexual violence should focus on girl-child education; and preventive measures aimed at women in the eastern region, emphasizing the dangers of early sex and marriages.