Family Violence Pattern and Its Related Factors Among Female University Students in the Riyadh Region of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Family violence (FV), a well-recognised social problem, can interfere with the student's adaptation during their academic lives. This study assessed the prevalence of FV against Saudi female university students. A convenient sample technique was used to recruit a total of 824 female students to fill a self-administered questionnaire. About 20% of the participants experienced FV. Nearly 54% and 28.2% of them talked about the incident with family member and physician, respectively. Parenteral psychological abuse was the most common way of exposure (55%). The psychological impacts of FV were the most experienced effect in the form of stress (86.25%) and sleep disturbance (72.4%). Ignoring the incident (75.6%) was the most preferred students' response. Studying in science-related specialities, achieving low-grade point of achievement, and living with families increased students' exposure to FV. This study sheds light on FV problem among university female students in Saudi population and urges the Student's University Counselling Center to reach and give life-long support of abused students, hence ensuring their psychological health and safety. Clinical Trial Registration Number H-01-R-059-19-0236.