ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The internet's emergence has revolutionized global connectivity, leading to cyberspace, a realm transcending traditional barriers. Embracing cyberspace tech is crucial for productivity and security. In today's knowledge-based society, ICT is indispensable, integrated into all aspects of life. Yet, this reliance also fuels cybercrime, propelled by technological advances which has become something of great concern in Africa.
OBJECTIVES: In this study, we sought to assess the knowledge, attitude, prevalence, and determinants of cybercrime among undergraduate students of the University of Benin, Benin City.
METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. The study was carried out among undergraduate students of the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo state from December 2022 to December 2023. Sample size was determined using the Cochran’s formula and a multi-stage sampling technique was utilized to select 650 participants for the study. The study population comprised undergraduate students from 15 departments. Data was collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Data was analysed using the IBM SPSS version 25.0. Univariate analysis was carried out on socio-demographic data of respondents, bivariate analysis was carried out for the parametric and non-parametric data. Chi-squared statistical test of association was done for non-parametric data and Fischer’s exact test was used to test associations whern the total number of the expected cells less than 5 were more than 25%. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression was done to further determine significant predictors of outcome variable such as knowledge attitude and prevalence. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Data was presented using prose, frequency tables, and graphs. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics and Research Committee, University of Benin Teaching Hospital.
RESULT: A total of 650 students participated in the study. The mean age (SD) of the respondents was 22.34 (3.15) years with a higher proportion 438 (67.4%) years being males. Majority 267 (41.1%) of the respondents were Benin, Christians 595 (91.5%), and single 621 (95.5%). Three hundred and thirteen respondents (48.2%) had poor knowledge with a greater proportion 337 (51.8%) having good knowledge due to increased visibility and information exposure to cybercrime, as well as media influence, or that some individuals have personal experience either knowing someone involved or someone who has been a victim. A statistically significant difference existed across different faculties with Management sciences having the highest proportion of individuals with good knowledge. Majority of the respondents 496 (76.3%) had negative attitude towards cybercrime with younger age, and those receiving income from their parents having the highest likelihood of having negative attitude. This relationship was found to be statistically significant. Overall, the prevalence of cybercrime was 50.9%, with a total of 331 individuals having self-confessed to have engaged in one form of cybercrime or the other whilst 108 respondents indicated recent involvement in such activities within the last year. Prominent determinants identified were younger age, sex, income level, and attitude towards cybercrime.
