Sexual Violence During Armed Conflict Among Women and Girls in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Sexual violence during armed conflict is a grave human rights and public health issue. This systematic review and meta-analysis estimated pooled prevalence and determinants of sexual violence among Ethiopian women and girls nationwide evidence. Methods A random-effects model in STATA 11 was used for the meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I 2 statistic, and publication bias was evaluated through Egger's test, funnel plots. Results Eight studies involving 10,119 participants were included. The pooled prevalence of sexual violence during armed conflict was 22.32% (95% CI: 14.02, 30.61), with moderate heterogeneity (I 2 = 61.9%; P ≤ .010). Key determinants included poor social support (POR = 2.23), urban residence (POR = 1.65), no formal education (POR = 1.79), and age ≤ 24 years (POR = 2.43). Conclusion Sexual violence during armed conflict remains a major concern in Ethiopia. Strengthened protection systems, psychosocial support, community awareness, and educational interventions are urgently required.