Prevalence and correlates of sexual harassment among female nursing students in Tanzanian higher educational institutions: a cross-sectional survey
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objectives To assess the prevalence of sexual harassment (SH) and associated factors among female students in Tanzanian higher educational institutions (HEIs). Design This was a cross-sectional analytical study. Setting The study was conducted at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) and Hubert Kairuki Memorial University (HKMU) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Participants A total of 293 female nursing students were enrolled. Primary outcome measures The primary outcome was the experience of SH. Participants were classified as having experienced SH if they responded ‘Yes’ to at least one of the eight dichotomous items assessing different forms of SH experienced since enrolment at the university. Methods A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data, capturing sociodemographic characteristics and experience of SH. Bivariate analysis was performed using Pearson’s χ2 test, followed by multivariable modified Poisson regression with robust variance to identify factors independently associated with SH experience. Adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs) with 95% CIs were reported. Results Of the 293 participants, 74 (25.3%) reported having experienced some form of SH since enrolment at the university, with fellow students reported as the main perpetrators. Compared with single students, married/cohabiting students had a lower prevalence of SH (APR: 0.45; 95% CI 0.21 to 0.98; p=0.045). Students attending a public university had a higher prevalence of SH than those attending the private university (APR: 2.71; 95% CI 1.70 to 4.34; p<0.001). Senior students had a higher prevalence than junior students (APR: 1.80; 95% CI 1.26 to 2.58; p=0.001), as did students receiving ≥TZS 100,000 in monthly financial support (APR: 1.88; 95% CI 1.19 to 2.99; p=0.007). Conclusion SH affects approximately one in four female undergraduate nursing students at Tanzanian HEIs, with marital status, university type, academic level and financial resources being independently associated with SH. Comprehensive institutional strategies, gender-responsive policies, confidential reporting and survivor-centred support must be embedded in nursing curricula through gender equality and gender-based violence prevention education. Future longitudinal and mixed-methods research should examine individual, institutional and sociocultural factors shaping SH and evaluate prevention interventions.
Source: BMJ Open
Language: English
Subfield: Gender Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,839
OpenAlex ID: W7222194802