Multivariate analysis of social and contextual drivers of gender-based violence among child survivors in South Mugirango Sub-County, Kisii County, Kenya

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) against children is shaped by interconnected social, economic, cultural, familial, and institutional conditions. Anchored in Feminist Theory, this study examined the social and contextual drivers of GBV among child survivors in South Mugirango Sub-County, Kisii County, Kenya. A quantitative explanatory research design was employed. Data were collected from 145 child survivors using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, independent-samples comparisons, binary logistic regression, and exploratory factor analysis were used to examine patterns, associations, predictors, and underlying dimensions of perceived GBV drivers. The findings showed significant gender differences in children’s perceptions of cultural norms and community beliefs as drivers of violence (χ² = 14.26, p = .006, V = .27), poverty and household substance use (χ² = 16.84, p = .002, V = .30), and gendered differences in harm (χ² = 18.22, p = .001, V = .32). Girls reported significantly higher perceptions of cultural and socioeconomic drivers than boys. Logistic regression further showed that gender and socioeconomic status significantly predicted higher perceptions of GBV drivers. Girls had higher odds of reporting high perceived severity (OR = 1.47, 95% CI [1.11, 2.08], p = .012), while children from low socioeconomic households had higher odds (OR = 1.62, 95% CI [1.15, 2.30], p = .008). Exploratory factor analysis identified structural-cultural and family-context dimensions. The study recommends strengthening gender-responsive child protection, addressing harmful gender norms, and integrating household socioeconomic support and community-based prevention into GBV interventions targeting children.