Patterns of Sexual and Gender-based Violence and Gaps in Integrated Care in a Resource-Limited Setting: A Two-Year Retrospective Study from Southeast Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33719/sexscij.2604.29Keywords:
psychosocial support, post-exposure prophylaxis, sexual and gender-based violence, social gynecologyAbstract
Objective: Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) remains a major public health and human rights concern, particularly in low-resource settings where access to timely, integrated survivor care is limited. Evidence on patterns of care is sparse.
Methods: A retrospective descriptive review was conducted at the National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Abakaliki, Southeast Nigeria. Records of all SGBV survivors managed between June 2023 and May 2025 were reviewed. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, type of violence, timing of presentation, and services provided were extracted using a structured proforma. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with descriptive statistics and chi-square tests applied. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: A total of 312 SGBV cases were identified, with a mean age of 21.3 years; 97% were female, and 66% resided in rural areas. Sexual assault accounted for 60% of cases, followed by physical assault (30%). Adolescents and young adults were most affected. All survivors received psychological counselling, but only 22% received empirical prophylaxis for sexually transmitted infections. Among 186 sexual assault survivors, 35% presented within 72 hours and were eligible for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Of 129 survivors of reproductive age, 36% received emergency contraception within the recommended timeframe. Legal action was initiated in only 3% of cases. Early presentation was significantly associated with receipt of PEP (p = 0.016).
Conclusion: SGBV disproportionately affects young females in Southeast Nigeria. Despite universal counselling, substantial gaps in timely care persist, largely due to delayed presentation. Strengthening integrated, survivor-centred care and community awareness counts.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Chibuzor Okorocha, Emmanuel Yakubu, Confidence Amarachi Okorocha, Osagie Noze-Otote, Victor Nwoba, Lilian Okafor, Patrick Ashinze
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