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BMC Women's Health

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Open Access 01-12-2014 | Research article

Sex trafficking awareness and associated factors among youth females in Bahir Dar town, North-West Ethiopia: a community based study

Authors: Muluken Azage, Gedefaw Abeje, Alemtsehay Mekonnen

Published in: BMC Women's Health | Issue 1/2014

Abstract

Background

Sex trafficking is a contemporary issue in both developed and developing countries. The number of trafficked women and young girls has increased globally. Females aged 18–25 are the most targeted group of trafficking. Although the problem is evident in Ethiopia, there are no studies that explored sex trafficking awareness among females. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess sex trafficking awareness and associated factors among youth females in Bahir Dar town, North-West Ethiopia.

Methods

A community based cross-sectional study design was employed to collect data from February 1^st-30^th 2012 from a total of 417 youth females. The participants in the study were selected using systematic random sampling techniques. A structured Amharic questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were entered, cleaned and analyzed using SPSS 16.0. Descriptive statistics were used to describe data. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with sex trafficking awareness.

Result

Two hundred forty-nine (60%) of the participants reported that they had heard or read about sex trafficking. Television (64%), friends (46%) and radio (39%) were the most frequently mentioned sources of information about sex trafficking. About 87% and 74% of the participants mentioned friends and brokers respectively as mediators of sex trafficking. Having TV at home (AOR = 2. 19, 95% CI: 1.31-3.67), completing grade 10 or more (AOR = 2. 22, 95% CI: 1.18-4.17), taking training on gender issues (AOR = 3. 59, 95% CI: 2.11-6.10) and living together with parents (AOR = 3. 65, 95% CI: 1.68-7.93) were factors found associated with sex trafficking awareness.

Conclusion

In this study, sex trafficking awareness was low among youth females. Having TV at home, living together with someone and being trained on gender issues were predictors of sex trafficking awareness. Therefore, providing education about sex trafficking will help to increase sex trafficking awareness among youth females.

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The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6874/14/85/prepub

Title: Sex trafficking awareness and associated factors among youth females in Bahir Dar town, North-West Ethiopia: a community based study
Authors: Muluken Azage
Gedefaw Abeje
Alemtsehay Mekonnen
Publication date: 01-12-2014
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Women's Health / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6874
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6874-14-85

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Sex trafficking awareness and associated factors among youth females in Bahir Dar town, North-West Ethiopia: a community based study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Result

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Result

Conclusion

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