Barriers and Facilitators to Accessing Post Sexual-Based Violence Health Services among Young Women Attending Higher Education Institutions in Nigeria

Abstract

Background Post-sexual-based violence (SBV) services are imperative when it comes to attenuating SBV-induced consequences. These services are reportedly rare, and often underutilized, most especially by young women in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators in accessing post-SBV services among young women (18–24 years) attending higher education institutions in Nigeria. Methods An online survey using a pre-tested and validated questionnaire was administered to a purposive sample of 114 respondents between the 8th and 22nd March 2022. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the study findings. Results The majority (71.1%) of the respondents were between the ages of 21–24 years, and 8.5% of the respondents reported the nature of their first intercourse was not consensual. Half of the respondents (50.9%) strongly agreed that a post-SBV health service should be the first place to go following an incident of rape, but over half of the respondents (53.2%) reported a lack of awareness of existing SBV health services as a barrier that impacts young women’s access to these services. Also, less than half the respondents strongly agreed that healthcare workers can provide the highlighted post-SBV services in the study including emergency contraceptives to prevent pregnancy and Post Exposure Prophylaxis to prevent HIV (39.6% and 42.9% respondents respectively), showing awareness gaps. Other key barriers reported include stigma or shame, and lack of support systems. Key facilitators included an assurance of confidentiality and access to free Post-SBV health services. Conclusion Important barriers and facilitators impact access to post-SBV-health services in Nigeria, especially among young women. Multilevel efforts by families, civil society organizations, communities, and governments will help address these barriers and facilitate access to SBV health services.