Covid-19 Preventive Practice and Experience of Violence Against Women and Girls in Nigeria

Introduction: This study aimed to assess COVID-19 preventive measures and violence against women and girls and determine the factors that contribute to COVID-19 preventive practices and violence against women and girls in Nigeria. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used for this study. Data was collected from 413 women/girls with age >18 years using a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. P value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Almost all 410 (99.2%) of the women were aware of the COVID-19. The majority 313 (75.8%) revealed that television was their main sources of information. Also, regular hand washing, 390 (94.4%) and use of face masks, 322 (77.2%) were the most common COVID-19 preventive measures practiced by the respondents. However, most 305 (73.8%) of the respondents had poor COVID-19 preventive practice. Further results revealed that physical violence 338 (81.8%) was the most common type of violence known. Thirty-one (7.5%) of the women claimed they had experienced at least one type of violence as a result of staying at home during the COVID-19 lockdown. There was a significant relationship between the COVID-19 preventive measures and violence against women and girls (χ2 = 19.59; p= 0.001) Conclusion: The COVID-19 preventive practices such as lockdown enforcement contributes to violence against women and girls.