Prevalence and Public Health Implications of Gender-Based Violence among Women in Kogi State, North-Central, Nigeria
1
Department of Community Health, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Federal University Lokoja,, Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria
2
Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Federal University Lokoja,, Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria
3
Clinical Services Specialist, Clinical Services Specialist ECEWS -, Obudu,Cross River State, Nigeria
4
Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Institute of Human Virology Nigeeria, Abuja, Nigeria
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a major public health and human rights concern with serious consequences for women’s physical, mental, and socio-economic wellbeing.1-3 In Nigeria, GBV remains widespread despite existing legal and policy frameworks.4-6 Evidence from Kogi State, a North-Central region with diverse socio-cultural contexts, is limited but essential for guiding effective public health interventions and policy responses.7-9
AIM:
This study assessed the prevalence, forms, and public health implications of gender-based violence among women in Kogi State, Nigeria.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional descriptive mixed-methods study was conducted among 400 respondents across three metropolitan areas - Lokoja, Okene, and Anyigba—representing the three senatorial districts of Kogi State. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to respondents aged 15–49 years, while qualitative data were obtained through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis to identify patterns, drivers, and health impacts of GBV.
RESULTS:
Most respondents were aged 18–23 years (42%). Overall, 95% of respondents reported experiencing at least one form of GBV in their lifetime. Psychological and physical violence were the most prevalent forms (62%), followed by sexual (28%) and economic violence (4%). A majority (68%) reported frequent exposure to GBV, with poverty identified as the leading contributory factor (26%). Intimate partners were the primary perpetrators. GBV was associated with physical injuries, mental health disorders, reproductive health complications, and reduced economic productivity. Reporting remained low due to stigma, cultural norms, fear of reprisal, and limited access to survivor-centered services.
CONCLUSIONS:
Gender-based violence is highly prevalent in Kogi State and represents a substantial public health burden. Strengthening health-sector GBV screening, expanding community-based prevention strategies, improving access to survivor-centered services, and multisectoral collaboration are critical to reducing GBV and improving women’s health outcomes.
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a major public health and human rights concern with serious consequences for women’s physical, mental, and socio-economic wellbeing.1-3 In Nigeria, GBV remains widespread despite existing legal and policy frameworks.4-6 Evidence from Kogi State, a North-Central region with diverse socio-cultural contexts, is limited but essential for guiding effective public health interventions and policy responses.7-9
AIM:
This study assessed the prevalence, forms, and public health implications of gender-based violence among women in Kogi State, Nigeria.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional descriptive mixed-methods study was conducted among 400 respondents across three metropolitan areas - Lokoja, Okene, and Anyigba—representing the three senatorial districts of Kogi State. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to respondents aged 15–49 years, while qualitative data were obtained through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis to identify patterns, drivers, and health impacts of GBV.
RESULTS:
Most respondents were aged 18–23 years (42%). Overall, 95% of respondents reported experiencing at least one form of GBV in their lifetime. Psychological and physical violence were the most prevalent forms (62%), followed by sexual (28%) and economic violence (4%). A majority (68%) reported frequent exposure to GBV, with poverty identified as the leading contributory factor (26%). Intimate partners were the primary perpetrators. GBV was associated with physical injuries, mental health disorders, reproductive health complications, and reduced economic productivity. Reporting remained low due to stigma, cultural norms, fear of reprisal, and limited access to survivor-centered services.
CONCLUSIONS:
Gender-based violence is highly prevalent in Kogi State and represents a substantial public health burden. Strengthening health-sector GBV screening, expanding community-based prevention strategies, improving access to survivor-centered services, and multisectoral collaboration are critical to reducing GBV and improving women’s health outcomes.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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