Knowledge, perception and experience of sexual entrapment among undergraduate students of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Deceit into sexual activities without the victim being aware of the intended action is common in tertiary institutions as the environment promote activities that make students vulnerable, especially females, young and new students. The resulting physical, psychological and social consequences, including harassment, sexual assault, non-consensual sex, injury, psychological trauma and suicide attempts, have affected many young people. This study was aimed at exploring the knowledge, perception, experience of sexual entrapment among undergraduate students of the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods: This multi-stage cross-sectional survey involved 422 participants using semi-structured questionnaire and an in-depth interview guide. Quantitative data were analyzed statistically, while Qualitative data was analyzed thematically. Results: Mean age of respondents was 20.5±3.0 years, 52.6% were males, 58.8% and 81% had a good knowledge and perception of sexual entrapment, respectively. Prevalence of sexual entrapment was 18%, affecting more males (55.3%) and first year students (39.5%), 59.2% of the perpetrators are friends of the victim. Students were entrapped on campus through; emotional support (42.1%), money (34.2%), accommodation assistance (7.9%), material things/gifts (21.1%), assignment assistance (10.5%), help with registration (4.0%), religious activities (6.6%), debt repayment (11.8%) and counseling (9.2%). It resulted to; unwanted sex (34%), rape (4%), pregnancy (1.3%), STDs (4%), Injury (13%), psychological trauma (27.6%), loss of trust (52.6%) and attempted suicide (23.7%) among victims. Effective coping mechanisms were adopted by 55.3% of respondents. There was a significant association between knowledge and perception; knowledge and experience; perception and experience (p<0.05). Findings from the in-depth interview revealed care, tutoring, political positions, and pretense to need help as other tactics. Conclusions: Sexual entrapment is common on campus, affecting males and females, knowledge and perception influence experience of sexual entrapment, requiring the need for a holistic approach to reduce its prevalence.