Factors Influencing Professional Help-Seeking Intentions for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Among Female University Students in Eswatini

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) among female college students, identify factors influencing intention to seek professional help among SGBV survivors, and compare help-seeking determinants among survivors based on their prior utilization of healthcare services.

Design: A cross-sectional online survey was employed among female students aged 18-24 years from two universities in Eswatini.

Measurements and sample: A total of 271 female college students were recruited to assess SGBV experience, attitudes, social norms, perceived control, help-seeking intention, and other factors not originally included in the theory of planned behavior. Data analyses utilized descriptive statistics, comparative analyses, and multiple regression methods.

Results: Among the participants, 73.1% reported experiencing one or more forms of SGBV, while only 43.4% sought professional help through health services. Help-seeking intentions of survivors were significantly associated with positive attitudes, subjective norms, and marital status, collectively explaining 66% of the variance. In subgroup analyses, the subjective norm and attitude emerged as the most robust predictors of help-seeking intentions.

Conclusion: The results revealed a high prevalence of SGBV and a concerning trend of low help-seeking behavior, with attitudes and subjective norms emerging as the most influential factors shaping intention. These results provide valuable insights for designing theory-driven and culturally sensitive public health nursing interventions and educational programs aimed at effectively supporting SGBV survivors.