FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH IMAGE-BASED SEXUAL ABUSE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE IN NIGERIA.

Faithful Akintade, University of Ibadan
Adesola Olumide, Institute of Child Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan

The proliferation of smartphones has increased the variety and use of image-based communication applications that can be installed on cell phones, thus introducing young users to newer forms of technology-mediated abuse. There is a dearth of data on image based sexual abuse in Nigeria, therefore this study was the first to explore the knowledge and factors that predispose young people to IBSA. Using a mixed-methods sequential approach study design to determine the prevalence of IBSA among 420 undergraduates between the ages (15-24) in a university in Nigeria. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and experience of IBSA (as a perpetrator and/ or a survivor) were obtained using the Oyedeji scale and IBSA Myth scale. The mean age of participants was 20.8 ± 1.9 years, females had higher prevalence rates than males.7% of respondents had at least one IBSA experience (3.6% perpetrators and 3.8% survivors) since 15 years of age. Logistic regression analysis found that demographic characteristics (age, gender, living arrangements), knowledge of IBSA, and experiential variables (dating relationships and self-sexual behaviors) were predictive of IBSA victimization. Violence prevention programs that incorporate strategies that promote reporting need to be instituted.

Keywords: Children, Adolescents, and Youth, Gender Dynamics, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

See extended abstract.