Help-seeking behavior and its determinants among gender-based violence survivor women in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Getasew Kibralew, Yilkal Abebaw Wassie, Mulualem Kelebie et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis estimated help-seeking among women who had experienced gender-based violence in Africa and examined associated factors. Across 13 studies involving 31,061 women, pooled help-seeking prevalence was 33.86% (95% CI: 28.23, 39.49). Help-seeking was more likely among women with access to fuel sources, those in rich households, and those with independent land ownership. The findings indicate that reported help-seeking was limited and associated with measures of household resources and economic independence; they do not establish that these factors cause help-seeking.
Key findings
- Pooled help-seeking prevalence was 33.86% (95% CI: 28.23, 39.49) across 13 studies involving 31,061 women.
- Women with access to fuel sources had higher odds of help-seeking (aOR = 2.26; 95% CI: 1.54, 3.32).
- Women from rich households had higher odds of help-seeking (aOR = 2.57; 95% CI: 1.12, 5.90).
- Independent land ownership was associated with higher odds of help-seeking (aOR = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.30, 2.64).
Why it matters
The pooled estimate suggests that formal help-seeking is uncommon among women survivors of gender-based violence in the included African studies. The associations with household resources and land ownership highlight that access to support may be shaped by economic circumstances as well as violence-related barriers. These findings can inform assessment of unmet support needs and the design of services that account for resource constraints.
What to keep in mind
The meta-analysis combines findings from 13 studies, and the reported associations do not establish causation.