Determinants of Utilization of Helplines by Gender-based Violence Survivors During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Kibra, Kenya

Makena GloryMasiga CasperNgare Grace2025-04-292025-04-292025Makena , G., Masiga, C. ., & Ngare, G. . (2025). Determinants of utilization of helplines by gender-based violence survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kibra, Kenya. Journal of Applied Humanities and Social Sciences- ISSN 2791-1594, 4(1), 29–42. https://doi.org/10.35942/jahss.v4i1.27https://doi.org/10.35942/jahss.v4i1.27https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/29998ArticlePandemics and government-imposed restrictions increase exposure of vulnerable communities to Gender Based Violence (GBV). Since the onset of COVID-19, GBV survivors in Kenya faced disruptions in receiving GBV-related services. This study examined the determinants of utilization of helplines by GBV survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kibra, Kenya. Using descriptive research design and Dual Process Theory (1989), the study targeted households in Kibra, involving both male and female residents, helplines, and GBV service providers as key informants. Convenience and purposive sampling was employed to select respondents from seven Kibra villages, then snowball sampling done to pick 209 respondents. Data collection involved focus group discussions, questionnaires on GBV prevalence and helpline use, and scheduled interviews with helpline managers and GBV service organizations. Both quantitative and qualitative techniques were employed, supplemented by secondary data. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data was thematically coded and presented in narratives and quotations. Helpline utilization was found to be linked to awareness campaigns, while the determinants of helpline use were found to include cost-effectiveness, specialist referrals, emotional support, and accessibility. The study thus recommends prioritizing GBV services, scaling up helplines with adequate staffing and training, and enhancing coordination among health, legal, safety, and psychosocial support providers, to ensure comprehensive and timely support for GBV survivorsenDeterminants of Utilization of Helplines by Gender-based Violence Survivors During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Kibra, KenyaArticle