Gender Inequitable Norms and Its Associate Among University Students in Southern Ethiopia: A school-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Inequitable gender norms characterize women as one who should be submissive while promoting male dominance and toughness. For a society to achieve gender equality, ensuring equitable gender norms is a basis. Little is known about inequitable norms and their association in our context. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among Arba Minch and Jinka University students, in Ethiopia from October 25 to November 10, 2022. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 615 students. Gender Equitable Men Scale tool was used to assess gender norm attitudes. Data were checked and entered into Epi-Data Version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS Version 25.0. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify associated factors with gender inequitable norms. Variables with a p-value < 0.25 in bivariable logistic regression were candidates for multivariable logistic regression. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was fitted to identify factors associated with gender inequitable norms. A Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit statistic was used to check model fitness and was satisfied. Statistical significance were taken at p-value. Result The mean score for favorable inequitable gender norm attitude was 61.38 (SD 8.36), and 44.1% (95% CI: 40.1%, 48.1%) of study participants had favorable inequitable gender norm attitude. Being male (AOR = 1.75, 95%CI: 1.19, 2.56), the break-up of a romantic relationship (AOR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.14, 3.99), and poor gender equality attitude (AOR = 3,14, 95% CI: 2.15, 4.58) were factors responsible for with favorable inequitable gender norm attitude. Conclusions Significant proportion of participants endorsed a favorable attitude toward gender inequitable norms. Being male, having romantic relationship breakup, and poor gender equality attitudes were associated with favorable attitudes toward gender inequitable norms. Hence, the finding highlights the need to work rigorously by addressing identified factors from all concerned bodies for enhancing equitable gender norms among University students.