Prevalence of sexual harassment and its relationship with family birth order among female undergraduates: New findings from institutional-based cross-sectional study in the south east, Nigeria

Family is the microcosm of a larger society that provides care that shapes the behavior of children. However, the different levels of attention children receive from their parents may affect their behaviour and self-esteem, which can lead to them being more vulnerable to sexual harassment. An institutional-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from March ­ August 2021, to assess the relationship between family birth order and prevalence of sexual harassment. The multistage sampling procedure was used to draw 1070 participants. The data was analyzed using percentages, mean, and multivariate logistic regression statistics. The multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AOR) along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. The findings revealed prevalence (73.6%) of sexual harassment, and the two forms such as verbal (x= 2.63) and non-verbal sexual harassment (x= 2.56) were high. The multivariate logistic regression odds ratios adjusted shows that the middle born were approximately 2 folds (AOR = 1.62; CI = 1.14 ­ 2.30; P = 0.008 0.05) more likely to predict sexual harassment. The study recommended amongst others that parents in South Eastern Nigeria should refrain from given special attention to a particular child as this may predispose the unfavoured child to sexual harassment

Attitude and Perceived Barriers to Uptake of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine among Female Students in a Nigerian Tertiary Institution

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been described as an ‘equal opportunity’ pathogen affecting both sexes and the leading cause of cervical cancer. Vaccination against oncogenic HPV types is a significant step towards decreasing the prevalence, morbidity, and mortality associated with cervical cancer. Objectives: To investigate attitude and perceived barriers to uptake of HPV vaccine among female students in a Nigerian Tertiary Institution. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study that was conducted in the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus from March 01 to April 01, 2017. The representative sample size of 320 female undergraduates was selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were entered using Microsoft Excel Windows 7 and exported to IBM SPSS version 20.0 software for analysis. Results: Total 38 (13.0%) participants had received HPV vaccine. Majority of the participants had a positive attitude towards HPV vaccination (2.5 ± 6.4). The major perceived barriers to uptake of vaccination were: exorbitant cost of the vaccine (94.1%) and lack of time due to lectures (53.0%). Age of the participants had no influence on the uptake of HPV vaccine whereas department, ethnic group, and marital status had a strong influence on vaccination uptake (p<0.05). Conclusion: A low proportion of the participants had received the HPV vaccine. Majority of the participants had a positive attitude towards HPV vaccination. The major perceived barrier to vaccination was the exorbitant cost of the vaccine. The university in collaboration with the Ministry of Health should design strategies to enlighten the university community on HPV infection through seminars and workshops.

Awareness and Status of Tetanus Toxoid Vaccination among Female Undergraduate Students in a Nigerian University.

Aims: The study aimed to determine the level of awareness and status of tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccination among female undergraduates in Port Harcourt. Study Design: This was a cross sectional descriptive study carried out among female undergraduate students. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in University of Port Harcourt from 1st to 31st of May 2014. Methodology: A pre-tested questionnaire was administered to 512 female students selected through a Multi-Staged sampling technique. Information sought included socio-demographics awareness of TT vaccine, knowledge of the vaccination campaign for women of childbearing age and TT vaccination status. Data was analyzed using epi info version 7.1.3.3. Results: A total of 512 students participated in the study; mean age was 22±2.79 years. Four hundred and eighty five (94.7%) and 409 (79.9%) students had heard of tetanus and TT vaccine respectively. Commonest sources of information were health workers. 33.8% knew the target population for the TT vaccination campaign and 18.2% knew that the correct number of doses of TT is 5 doses. Two hundred and ninety eight (58.2%) and 10 (2%) students had received at least 1 dose and 5 doses of TT respectively. Students who had knowledge of the target population for TT vaccination campaign (OR=2.14, p=0.003) and those who were confident in the effectiveness of TT (OR=2.41, p<0.001) were twice more likely to receive at least a dose of TT vaccine. Conclusion: There was poor knowledge of TT vaccination campaign for women of childbearing age and very poor coverage of TT5 among the female undergraduate students in Port Harcourt. Female undergraduate students should be reached during TT vaccination campaigns.