Image-Based Sexual Abuse Among University Students in Nigeria: Prevalence, Correlates, and Public Health Implications
1
Department of Community Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria
2
Department of Community Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Image-based sexual abuse (IBSA) which is the non-consensual creation, sharing, or threat of sharing intimate images, is an emerging form of technology-facilitated sexual violence with significant public health implications. Among young people, IBSA is associated with psychological distress, social harm, and disrupted educational trajectories. However, population-level evidence from low- and middle-income countries remains limited, constraining effective prevention and response. This study assessed the prevalence and correlates of IBSA victimization and perpetration among undergraduate students in a Nigerian university, with the aim of informing public health prevention strategies.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 434 undergraduate students at a large public university in southeastern Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire capturing sociodemographic characteristics, digital behaviors, sexting practices, perceptions of IBSA, and experiences of victimization and perpetration. Descriptive statistics summarized prevalence, while chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with IBSA outcomes. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported.
RESULTS:
Overall, 16.1% of respondents reported experiencing IBSA victimization, while 11.5% reported perpetrating at least one form of IBSA. Younger age, male gender, current relationship involvement, and frequent sexting were significantly associated with higher odds of IBSA involvement. Perpetration was a strong independent predictor of victimization (AOR = 6.75; 95% CI: 3.57–12.79), highlighting substantial overlap between victims and perpetrators. Despite high awareness of IBSA, reporting was rare, and confidence in institutional support mechanisms was low.
CONCLUSIONS:
IBSA is a prevalent and under-recognized public health issue among university students in Nigeria. The strong associations with digital behaviors and relationship dynamics underscore the need for integrated prevention strategies that combine digital literacy, gender-sensitive violence prevention, and mental health support. Universities represent critical settings for population-level interventions aimed at reducing technology-facilitated sexual violence and its health consequences among young people.
Image-based sexual abuse (IBSA) which is the non-consensual creation, sharing, or threat of sharing intimate images, is an emerging form of technology-facilitated sexual violence with significant public health implications. Among young people, IBSA is associated with psychological distress, social harm, and disrupted educational trajectories. However, population-level evidence from low- and middle-income countries remains limited, constraining effective prevention and response. This study assessed the prevalence and correlates of IBSA victimization and perpetration among undergraduate students in a Nigerian university, with the aim of informing public health prevention strategies.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 434 undergraduate students at a large public university in southeastern Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire capturing sociodemographic characteristics, digital behaviors, sexting practices, perceptions of IBSA, and experiences of victimization and perpetration. Descriptive statistics summarized prevalence, while chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with IBSA outcomes. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported.
RESULTS:
Overall, 16.1% of respondents reported experiencing IBSA victimization, while 11.5% reported perpetrating at least one form of IBSA. Younger age, male gender, current relationship involvement, and frequent sexting were significantly associated with higher odds of IBSA involvement. Perpetration was a strong independent predictor of victimization (AOR = 6.75; 95% CI: 3.57–12.79), highlighting substantial overlap between victims and perpetrators. Despite high awareness of IBSA, reporting was rare, and confidence in institutional support mechanisms was low.
CONCLUSIONS:
IBSA is a prevalent and under-recognized public health issue among university students in Nigeria. The strong associations with digital behaviors and relationship dynamics underscore the need for integrated prevention strategies that combine digital literacy, gender-sensitive violence prevention, and mental health support. Universities represent critical settings for population-level interventions aimed at reducing technology-facilitated sexual violence and its health consequences among young people.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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