Authors : Adefunke Busola Ogunleye; Oluwatoyin Juliana Elebiju; Tosin Orhorhamreru; Oluwatoyin Adebayo; Oyesegun Olufemi Oyerinde

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 4 - April

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4zs5xd85

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/2k523k3n

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26apr1727

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Background: Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a significant public health and human rights concern globally, with profound consequences for women’s physical, mental, and social well-being. In Nigeria, entrenched socio-cultural norms and gender inequalities continue to influence both the occurrence and perception of GBV. Primary health care (PHC) settings provide a critical platform for identifying and addressing GBV; however, gaps persist in women’s understanding of its various forms. This study examined knowledge of GBV and explored socioeconomic inequalities in its recognition among women attending PHC facilities in Osun State, Nigeria.  Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 126 women of reproductive age attending six PHC facilities across two local government areas. Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered via KoboCollect, capturing sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge of GBV, including physical, sexual, economic, and emotional violence. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, employing descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to assess associations by age and income.  Results: Awareness of commonly recognized forms of GBV was high, with most respondents correctly identifying physical (88.10%), sexual (87.30%), and economic violence (89.68%). In contrast, recognition of emotional or psychological violence was markedly low (7.94%). No statistically significant associations were found between income or age and GBV knowledge (p > 0.05), although respondents aged 25–34 years demonstrated relatively higher knowledge levels.  Conclusion: Despite high awareness of visible forms of GBV, substantial gaps remain in recognizing less overt forms such as emotional abuse. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive, PHC-based educational interventions to improve holistic understanding and strengthen GBV prevention and response.

Keywords : Gender-Based Violence, Primary Health Care, Knowledge, Socioeconomic Inequalities, Women, Nigeria.

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