Factors Influencing Professional Help-Seeking Intentions for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Among Female University Students in Eswatini
Outcomes: Gender‑Based Violence
View SourceKey Social Norms Take-aways Social norms—particularly perceived approval from significant others (subjective norms)—are the strongest drivers of help-seeking intentions among SGBV survivors. Norms that normalize silence, stigma, or tolerance of violence discourage professional help-seeking, while supportive social environments can facilitate it. Shifting community norms and increasing visible support for survivors are critical to improving help-seeking behaviors.
Objectives To examine the prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) among female university students in Eswatini, identify factors influencing their intention to seek professional help, and compare determinants based on prior healthcare utilization.
Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 271 female students aged 18–24 from two universities. Measures were grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), assessing attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, help-seeking intentions, and additional factors such as knowledge and service availability. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlations, and multivariable regression.
Results A high prevalence of SGBV was reported (73.1%), yet only 43.4% of survivors sought professional help. Help-seeking intention was strongly associated with subjective norms (β = 0.61) and attitudes (β = −0.22), with these factors explaining 66% of the variance. Social norms and attitudes remained the most robust predictors across subgroups. Additional factors such as marital status and perceived control also influenced intentions in some cases.
Conclusions Despite widespread SGBV, professional help-seeking remains low, largely due to social and attitudinal barriers. Interventions should prioritize shifting harmful gender norms, strengthening supportive social networks, and addressing stigma to improve help-seeking. Theory-driven, culturally sensitive programs that target both individual beliefs and broader social norms are essential to effectively support survivors and increase service utilization.
Norms Addressed
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