Background: Gender-based violence (GBV) is a global public health problem. While research exists on GBV and associated help-seeking behaviors among university students, few studies have assessed the prevalence of GBV, including experiences and barriers to help-seeking, within sub-Saharan African university settings. Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of GBV victimization among university students in six sub-Saharan African countries and describe experiences of formal and informal help-seeking among students who self-identified as victims of GBV since attending university. Design: An online, cross-sectional survey study was administered to university students from July to October 2023 at nine participating universities in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: Descriptive statistics were used to describe types of violence experienced among students ( N = 2249). Bivariate analyses ( t-tests, chi-square) and multivariate logistic regressions were used to examine demographic factors associated with formal and informal help-seeking behavior among a sub-sample of GBV victims ( n = 298). Results: Among the 2249 sample of students, the prevalence of physical violence was 30.9%, 18.7% for sexual violence, 64.9% for psychological violence, and 63.7% for stalking. Among a sub-sample of GBV victims ( n = 298), most (78.2%) sought informal help from friends, partners, or family members and less than one-third (29.5%) sought help from formal sources (e.g., university administrators, police). Logistic regression results indicated that university country was associated with formal help-seeking; that is, students in Ghana and Rwanda were over twice as likely to seek formal help than students in Nigeria (odds ratio (OR) = 2.58, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.38–4.85, p < 0.01; OR = 2.62, 95% CI: 1.20–5.71, p < 0.05, respectively). While differences by gender were noted in formal help-seeking behavior at the bivariate level, gender was not associated with formal help-seeking after adjusting for GBV training and other demographics. Conclusion: GBV is a significant public health issue among university students in sub-Saharan Africa. University policies and prevention programs are needed to reduce GBV and increase the capacity of formal sources to effectively respond to GBV.

Curationis provides a forum for cutting-edge theories and research models related to the exploration of issues experienced and the best practices of nurses and midwives so as to improve nursing education, nursing administration and community nursing within Africa.

Background: Absenteeism among university and college students is a global challenge. Not only does absenteeism result in inadequate learning, but it also disrupts the way in which classes are conducted. Objective: The study sought to explore and understand the reasons for absenteeism from the perspectives of the nursing students in the context of a South African University. Methods: The study used an explorative qualitative design to conduct four focus group discussions with undergraduate nursing students. Tesch’s method of data analysis was followed. Results: One theme and four sub-themes emerged, such as the negative attitudes of lecturers, poor guidance and lack of prompt feedback from lecturers, lack of commitment from lecturers and classes starting late, and inability of the students to cope with the workload. Conclusion: The study revealed that the main reasons for the students’ absenteeism from scheduled learning experiences were related to the lecturers’ behaviour and practices. The poor lecturer-student relationship discouraged the students from attending classes.

Health SA Gesondheid promotes communication, collaboration and teamwork between professions and disciplines within the health sciences to address problems that cross and affect disciplinary boundaries.