ASSESSMENT OF ATTITUDE TOWARDS GENDER INEQUITABLE NORMS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONGMALEYOUTH IN ARBAMINCH TOWN, SOUTHERN, ETHIOPIA, 2020

Abstract

Introduction: Gender inequitable norms are common cultural traditions across the world, which characterized women as someone who deserves less basic life support and fundamental human rights than men. The unfairness of such practices has demolished women’s quality of life. Studies are limited in measuring of some factors like knowledge towards gender inequitable norms, information related gender inequitable norms and youth club participation in Ethiopia. The information obtained from this study will help to take evidence-based approach to reduce gender inequitable norms. Objective: To assess attitude towards gender inequitable norms and associated factors among male youth fromAugust16th – 30th, 2020 at Arba Minch town, Southern Ethiopia. Method: A community-based mixed method study was conducted among the target youths. The quantitative study was conducted by employing a cross-sectional study among 423 male youths using a pre-tested, structured questionnaire. Gender-Equitable Men Scale was used to group attitude towards gender inequitable norms. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. Logistic regression model was used to identify associated factors. Variables with p-value < 0.25 in the bi-variable logistic regression analysis were entered and checked for association in a multivariable logistic regression model. The level of statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05. The qualitative data was obtained from 9 male youths who were selected purposely for this study. The data was collected using semi-structured questioner andanalyzed by Atlas 7.5 with thematic frame approachesResults: Out of the 423 male youths, 200 (47.3%) 95%CI (42-52%) of them had favorable attitude towards gender inequitable norms. No formal education [AOR=5.43(95% CI 1.53, 16.5)],primary school primary school primary school primary school [AOR=2.36AOR=2.36 AOR=2.36 (95%CI 1.05, 5.29 95%CI 1.05, 5.2995%CI 1.05, 5.2995%CI 1.05, 5.2995%CI 1.05, 5.29 95%CI 1.05, 5.29 )],household with ≤ 2000Ethiopian birr Ethiopian birr Ethiopian birr per month income per month income per month income per month income per month income per month income [AOR= 6.07(95% CI, 2.90-12.72)], household with2001 – 4000 ETB in come per per month month[AOR=4.2(95%CI,2.08,8.67 [AOR=4.2(95%CI,2.08,8.67 [AOR=4.2(95%CI,2.08,8.67 [AOR=4.2(95%CI,2.08,8.67[AOR=4.2(95%CI,2.08,8.67[AOR=4.2(95%CI,2.08,8.67[AOR=4.2(95%CI,2.08,8.67 [AOR=4.2(95%CI,2.08,8.67)] ,physical violence during childhood [AOR=2.82(95%CI,1.45-5.45)], poor knowledge towards gender equitable norms [AOR=4.07(95%CI 2.45-6.77)] and didn’t participate in youth club [AOR=3.6 (95%CI, 1.98-6.68)] were factors significantly associated with favorable attitude towards genderinequitable norms. Conclusion and recommendation: Almost half of the participants had favorable attitude towards gender inequitable norms. No formal education, primary school, household withlow income, household with 2001-4000ETB income per month, physical violence during childhood, poor knowledge towards gender equitable norms, and no participation in youth clubs were significant factors. Actions need to be taken to curb the problem by takin integrated interventions for youths for youths for youths for youths like enrolling to school, enhancing to participate in youth club, prevent childhood physical violence, increasing household income and creating awareness on gender inequitable norms to change traditional belie to change traditional belie to change traditional belie to change traditional belie to change traditional belie to change traditional belie to change traditional beliefs that undermine women