Determinants of domestic violence against women in Ghana

Ghanaian women's experience of intimate partner violence (IPV) during group antenatal care: a brief report from a cluster randomised controlled trial

Intimate partner violence (IPV) impacts women of reproductive age globally and can lead to significant negative consequences during pregnancy. This study describes an exploratory aim of a cluster randomised controlled trial designed to assess the outcomes of Group Antenatal Care (ANC) in Ghana. The purpose was to understand the effect of a healthy relationship Group ANC module on experiences of IPV and safety planning as well as to explore the relationship between self-efficacy on the experiences of IPV and safety planning. Data were collected at baseline and at 11-14 months postpartum (post). Survey measures captured reported experiences of violence, self-efficacy, and safety. The chi-square test was used to compare baseline and post scores, and a logistic regression was performed to ascertain the effects of self-efficacy on the experiences of IPV in both groups. The sample included 1,751 participants, of whom 27.9% reported IPV at baseline. Between baseline and postpartum, there was a small increase in reported emotional (6.2% vs. 4.6%) and sexual (5.4% vs. 3.2%) violence in the intervention group compared to the control group. Logistic regression demonstrated that an increasing self-efficacy score was associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing IPV. There were no changes in safety knowledge. This study found higher rates of reported sexual and emotional violence post-intervention among the intervention group. Group ANC may be just one part of a portfolio of interventions needed to address IPV at all socio-ecological levels.Paper ContextMain findings: There was no reduction in experiences of intimate partner violence or increases in safety planning among Ghanaian pregnant women participating in a Group Antenatal Care session focused on healthy relationships and safety planning.Added knowledge: Group Antenatal Care has been identified as an effective modality for providing antenatal care and facilitating conversations about sensitive topics such as intimate partner violence and safety. However, this study highlights the importance of developing multifaceted approaches to decrease the risk of intimate partner violence among women, especially during the critical times of pregnancy and postpartum.Global health impact for policy and action: Effective global health action and policy must extend beyond educational efforts, incorporating multifaceted strategies that include healthcare provider training, robust community engagement, and legislation aimed at preventing intimate partner violence, with a special focus on safeguarding the well-being of women during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Association between Childhood Exposure to Intimate Partner Violence and Intimate Partner Violence Victimization/Perpetration in Adulthood in Africa

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is widespread in many African countries. Evidence, mainly from Western countries, shows that exposure to IPV in childhood is an important risk factor for experiences of IPV in adulthood. However, to date, no systematic review has synthesized the evidence on this association for individuals living in Africa, which is the goal of the current study. We used three search strategies: database searches (e.g., MEDLINE and PsycINFO), manual searches, and machine learning tools (e.g., Connected Papers). We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and included peer-reviewed studies (in French or English) that reported quantitative or qualitative associations between childhood exposure to IPV and later IPV victimization/perpetration. A total of 48 studies from 29 African countries were included (N = 520,000 participants). Pooled effects indicated an association between childhood exposure to IPV and IPV victimization for females (odds ratio [OR] = 2.46, 95% CI [2.09, 2.91], p < .001) and males (OR = 1.76, 95% CI [1.57, 1.97], p < .001). Similarly, males (OR = 1.92, 95% CI [1.60, 2.29], p < .001) and females (OR = 3.04, 95% CI [2.51, 3.69], p < .001) who were exposed to IPV in childhood were more likely to perpetrate IPV compared to those with no childhood exposure. Effect sizes varied substantially across studies (0.89-5.66), suggesting that other risk factors should be considered in future studies. This review provides unique insights on cycles of IPV in Africa that may usefully inform practice and research.

A quarantine paradox: understanding Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in post-COVID-19 era: insights from Golden Valley mining community, Zimbabwe

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges globally, with a notable surge in gender-based violence (GBV) incidents. This descriptive, exploratory study conducted in the Golden Valley mining community in Kadoma, Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe, delves into the challenges faced by GBV survivors during and after the pandemic, alongside community perceptions of GBV in the post-COVID-19 era. Guided by Bronfenbrenner's Social-Ecological Model which offers insights into the various levels of influence on GBV behavior and experiences,aiding in the development of contextually relevant prevention strategies. The study used qualitative methods such as interviews and focus group discussions, there were 24 study participant classified by random and convenient sampling techniques including traditional and community leaders, gbv surviours medical personnel and male and female, community members. The research followed the COREQ guidelines to transparently document the research process and findings. The research sheds light on the multifaceted nature of GBV exacerbated by societal norms and economic instability in a low-income, masculine-dominated work culture experience in the COVID-19 period. Findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive prevention programs, effective legislation, and community engagement to address GBV in post-pandemic communities. The research provides valuable lessons for enhancing GBV prevention efforts globally, emphasizing the significance of survivor voices and addressing root causes of GBV.

The Mediating Role of Problematic Alcohol Consumption on the Association Between Pandemic-Related Strains and Domestic Violence Across Six Countries

Research has documented that domestic violence increased worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies have also suggested that alcohol use, which also increased during COVID-19, is a risk factor for domestic violence victimization. However, research has yet to examine whether alcohol consumption mediated the relationship between pandemic-related stressful events and domestic violence. Using structural equation modeling, the current study examines the impact of three types of pandemic-related strains (financial problems, familial problems, and work problems) on individual assessments about whether their drinking became problematic during the pandemic and then whether problematic alcohol use increases the risk of psychological and physical domestic violence. This model was analyzed across six countries: Ukraine, The Netherlands, Pakistan, Denmark, Guatemala, and the United States. Results indicate that the associations between pandemic-related strains and self-assessed problematic drinking varied by country. However, across all countries, problematic alcohol consumption was associated with increased physical and psychological domestic violence victimization. Overall, the findings of the current study support the use of programs that aim to reduce problematic consumption of alcohol with the hopes that they may, in turn, reduce psychological and physical domestic violence victimization.

Spatial clustering of domestic violence attitudes toward women in Ghana

Violence against women is a global public health issue associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The United Nations defines violence against women as "any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life". There is paucity of data on the spatial distribution and predictors of violence against women in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to investigate the geographical distribution of attitudes toward wife beating in Ghana, a sub-Saharan African country, utilizing data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). Participants from over eleven thousand households were surveyed on topics of demographics and justification of wife beating in at least one of five different scenarios. The identification of geographic clusters of men and women who endorsed wife beating was performed using Ripley K functions. The comparison of the spatial distributions of women and men justifying wife beating were performed using spatial relative risk surfaces. The spatial analysis indicated the presence of clusters in women and men's approval for wife beating compared to those who do not approve of wife beating, with a statistical significance level set at p < 0.01. Major spatial clusters of approval of wife beating were in the Northern region, for both men and women, and in the Upper West region of Ghana for the men participants. This is the first study to explore the geographical distribution of attitudes toward wife beating in Ghana, and revealed evidence of several regional heterogeneous clusters where wife beating was more commonly justified by both men and women. Targeted intervention for reducing the justification of wife beating in Ghana should be focused in these regions.

Armed conflicts and experience of intimate partner violence among women in Afghanistan: analysis of the 2015 Afghanistan DHS data

OBJECTIVE

Armed conflicts and intimate partner violence (IPV) impose a burden on individual and societal well-being. Given the history of armed conflict in Afghanistan and the high prevalence of IPV, this study aims to examine the influence of armed conflicts on IPV among Afghan women.

METHODS

Multilevel logistic regression models were applied to the 2015 Afghanistan Demographic and Health Survey (N=10 414 women aged 15-49). Armed conflict severity was measured using the conflict index issued by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, IPV was measured by three types of violence, including emotional, physical and sexual violence. All analyses were conducted by using STATA V.15.1.

RESULTS

Over 52% of women experienced at least one type of IPV, with 33.01%, 49.07%, and 8.99% experiencing emotional, physical, and sexual violence, respectively. The regression results show that armed conflicts were significantly and positively associated with the experience of all types of IPV. In addition, the association between armed conflicts and the experience of emotional IPV was positively moderated by women's attitudes towards IPV.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that women living in high-conflict regions were more prone to experience IPV, particularly women with positive attitudes towards IPV. Promoting progressive gender roles, women's empowerment, awareness of IPV and inclusion of women in conflict resolution will help deal with the issue of IPV.

Climate Change, Extreme Weather, and Intimate Partner Violence in East African Agrarian-Based Economies

Severe weather events can be a catalyst for intimate partner violence, particularly in agricultural settings. This research explores the association between weather and violence in parts of East Africa that rely on subsistence farming. We used IPUMS-DHS data from Uganda in 2006, Zimbabwe in 2010, and Mozambique in 2011 for intimate partner violence frequency and EM-DAT data to identify weather events by region in the year of and year prior to IPUMS-DHS data collection. This work is grounded in a conceptual framework that illustrates the mechanisms through which violence increases. We used logistic regression to estimate the odds of reporting violence in regions with severe weather events. The odds of reporting violence were 25% greater in regions with severe weather compared to regions without in Uganda (OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.11-1.41), 38% greater in Zimbabwe (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.13-1.70), and 91% greater in Mozambique (OR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.64-2.23). Our results add to the growing body of evidence showing that extreme weather can increase women's and girls' vulnerability to violence. Moreover, this analysis demonstrates that climate justice and intimate partner violence must be addressed together.

Formal support services and (dis)empowerment of domestic violence victims: perspectives from women survivors in Ghana

BACKGROUND

As part of efforts to prevent violence against women, several countries have institutionalized formal support services including legislations to prevent, protect victims, and deter perpetrators of domestic violence (DV). Prior research on formal support service utilization shows that DV survivors do not get the necessary services they deserve. However, much remains to be known about the experiences of women survivors of DV who accessed a range of formal support services and how their experiences (dis)empowered them. Here, we assessed the experiences of Ghanaian women survivors of DV with formal support services vis-à-vis the provisions of the Ghana DV Act and insights of subject experts.

METHODS

From May to August 2018, we recruited a total of 28 participants: 21 women survivors of DV in Weija-Gbawe Municipality of Ghana, and 7 experts from the police, human rights, and health professions. We used two sets of in-depth interview guides: one to collect data on survivors' experiences, and the second for the insights of experts. We performed summary descriptive statistics on survivors' sociodemographic characteristics and used thematic analysis to assess their experiences of DV; and access to, patronage, and response of formal support services.

RESULTS

Of 21 DV survivors, 19 (90.1%) were aware of the existence of the DV law, however none was well informed of their entitlements. DV survivors have low formal education and are not economically empowered. Some DV survivors are revictimized in the process of accessing formal services. DV survivors expect the government to provide them with shelter, upkeep, medical, and legal aid. All the 21 survivors had at least one contact with a women's rights organization and were knowledgeable of their supporting services namely legal services, temporary shelter, and psychosocial support.

CONCLUSIONS

The experiences of DV survivors do not reflect the legal provisions of Ghana's DV Act. Government under funding of formal services and negative gender norms are disempowering to survivors. NGOs are popular among women survivors of DV in Ghana for the education, legal, and material support they provide. A close collaboration between the government and NGOs could better mitigate DV in Ghana.

Violence against housemaids in an Ethiopian town during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Violence against women is a global public health problem that has numerous adverse effects. However, published literature regarding violence against housemaids during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ethiopia is lacking. The current study aims to explore the experiences of violence and associated factors among housemaids in Ethiopia. The findings may be useful to the design appropriate policies, programs and strategies to reduce the problem.

METHODS

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March, 2021 in Kombolcha Town, Ethiopia. A total of 215 housemaids aged 14 years and older were included in the study using a simple random sampling technique. A multivariable logistic regression model with 95% CI (confidence interval) was applied to identify significant factors of physical and sexual violence. Variables with a P-value < 0.05 were declared as factors significantly associated with violence.

RESULTS

Among 215 housemaids, 33.49% (95% CI: 27.13-39.85%) reported physical violence and 21.4% (95% CI: 15.87-26.92) reported sexual violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, housemaids aged 19-23 years (AOR = 2.64, 95% CI: 1.01-6.89), who had a male employer (AOR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.05-5.45), whose employers chewed chat (Catha edulis) (AOR = 3.78, 95% CI: 1.73-8.29), or drank alcohol (AOR = 2.90, 95% CI: 1.17-7.17) experienced more physical violence. Sexual violence was also associated with employers' alcohol consumption (AOR = 9.72, 95% CI: 3.12-20.31), employers' chat chewing (AOR = 7.40, 95% CI: 2.26-14.21) and male employers (AOR = 3.23, 95% CI: 1.22-8.52).

CONCLUSION

The findings indicate that one in five housemaids and one in three housemaids experienced sexual violence and physical violence, respectively. Housemaids aged 19-23 years, having a male employer, having an employer who chewed chat (Catha edulis) or who drank alcohol were factors associated with physical violence, whereas employers' alcohol consumption, employers' chat chewing and male employers were factors associated with sexual violence.

Intimate partner violence among young women in Ibadan, Nigeria: are there slum and non-slum differences?

This study determined the past-year prevalence of physical, sexual and psychological intimate partner violence (IPV) and associated factors among young women in urban slums and non-slums of Ibadan, Nigeria.A cross-sectional study, using a multistage cluster sampling method was used to select 1050 ever-partnered young women aged between 18 and 24 years from the five Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Ibadan municipal. All localities were classified into slums and non-slums using the UN-Habitat 2003 criterion. Independent variables were respondents' and partners' characteristics. Dependent variables were physical, sexual and psychological IPV. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression model (α0.05).Prevalence of physical (31.4%, 13.4%), sexual (37.1%, 18.3%), and psychological IPV (58.6%, 31.5%) were significantly higher in the slum than non-slum communities. Multivariate analysis showed that secondary education (aOR:0.45, 95%CI: 0.21 - 0.92) reduced IPV experience while being unmarried (aOR:2.83, 95%CI: 1.28 - 6.26), partner's alcohol use (aOR:1.97, 95%CI: 1.22 - 3.18), and partner's relationship with other women (aOR:1.79, 95%CI: 1.10 -2.91) increased IPV experience in slum communities. In non-slum communities, having children (aOR:2.99, 95%CI: 1.05-8.51), non-consensual sexual debut (aOR: 1.88, 95%CI: 1.07-3.31) and witness of abuse in childhood (aOR:1.82: 95%CI: 1.01 - 3.28) increased experience of IPV. Acceptance of IPV and partner's witness of abuse in childhood increased experience of IPV in both settings.This study confirms that IPV is common among young women in Ibadan, Nigeria, but higher among women in slum communities. Findings also showed different factors associated with IPV in slum and non-slum communities. Therefore, targeted interventions for each urban stratum are recommended.

Perception, and Experience of Domestic Violence among Women in a Rural Community in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Background

Domestic violence (DV) occurs in all settings, transcending socio-cultural and demographic profiles. It is pervasive, insidious, carried out in private domain, and usually inflicted by family members. It continues over long period and limits avenues of escape for victims. The aim of this study was to assess the perception and experience of DV among rural women in Sabon Gari LGA of Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Methodology

A cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in Tohu community, Sabon Gari LGA, Kaduna State. Sample size of 365 was determined using Fisher's formula, at p-value, reliability coefficient, confidence interval, degree of freedom, and possible attrition rate of 0.5, 1.96, 95%, 0.05, and 16% respectively. The study population comprised all women of reproductive age group in Tohu. Eligible respondents who had been in the community for at least one year were included in the study, while those who were ill were excluded. A semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was administered by female research assistants, and data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. Frequencies and percentages were reported for categorical data. Respondents' perception of DV was assessed using 19 questions across 5domains. Composite score of 0-19 was expected for each respondent. Scores of >10, and <10 were considered to be good, and poor perception of DV respectively. Relationships between variables were determined using appropriate test statistics at p-value <0.05.

Results

Fifty-three percent of respondents have good perception of DV, with age, marital status, and occupation affecting respondents' perception. Seventeen percent of respondents had experienced physical and/or verbal abuse. Marital status and level of education were found to affect respondents' experience of DV.

Conclusion

DV is still rife in rural parts of Nigeria. Civil rights groups should intensify efforts toward awareness creation so that victims can report to the appropriate authorities and the perpetrators prosecuted.

Context Matters: Assessing the Association Between Area Deprivation and the Severity of Injury and Types of Domestic Violence Victimization Among Women

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the association between social determinants of health (SDOH), as measured by the Area Deprivation Index (ADI), and the severity of injury and types of domestic violence (DV) victimization among women (≥18 years of age) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

METHODS

Neighborhood ADI data from the American Community Survey (2014-2018) were merged with Milwaukee Police Department DV data (2013-2017). ADI included multiple SDOH domains (education, employment, income/poverty, and housing quality). Types of DV were classified using an adaptation of the FBI-Uniform Crime Reporting-Hierarchy Rule, including Crimes Against Persons (homicide/negligent manslaughter, sexual assault/rape, and aggravated battery/assault). Chi-square, Anova tests, and logistic regression analyses were performed using Stata v.14.2; p-values ≤ .05 were considered statistically significant.

FINDINGS

Except for aggravated battery/assault (OR: 1.003, 95% CI: 1.001-1.010), there was no statistically significant relationship between neighborhood disadvantage and DV victimization in 21,095 DV incidents between 2013 and 2017. Adjusted model results indicate that with each increase in neighborhood disadvantage (by ADI), there was a 1.003 increase in the likelihood for aggravated battery/assault (OR: 1.003, 95% CI: 1.001-1.005). Severity of DV injury was not significantly associated with ADI (OR: 1.002, 95% CI: 0.999-1.004). However, non-Hispanic Black women were 1.3 times more likely than non-Hispanic Whites to be victims of aggravated battery/assault (OR: 1.321, 95% CI: 1.189-1.469). Hispanic women were more likely than non-Hispanic Whites to sustain a more severe injury (OR: 0.841, 95% CI: 0.732-0.970]).

CONCLUSION

The likelihood of DV-aggravated battery/assault increased with neighborhood deprivation, and significant associations (and highly lopsided prevalence) were found in types of DV victimization by race/ethnicity, with non-Hispanic Black women experiencing higher prevalence than others. This study adds to the body of knowledge by looking at how macro-level neighborhood-SDOH characteristics influence women's exposure to various forms of DV victimization and demonstrated the feasibility of linking law enforcement DV data to SDOH metrics, providing context for law enforcement DV victimizations.

The relationship between municipal trainees' attitudes toward violence against women and their gender perceptions

PURPOSE

This study examined the relationship between individuals' attitudes toward violence against women and their perception of gender roles.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This descriptive and cross-sectional study design (n = 635) collected data using the ISKEBE Violence against Women Attitude Scale and the Perception of Gender Scale. Data analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analyses.

RESULTS

About 37.5% of the participants had been exposed to violence. A moderately positive correlation was found between the participants' scores on gender perception and attitude toward violence against women (r = 0.551, p < 0.000).

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Women did not approve of violence against women more than men did. Participants with higher education levels and employment had a more negative attitude toward violence against women.

Assessment of domestic violence and its associated factors among ever-married reproductive-age women in Cameroon: a cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

Domestic violence (DV) against women is a global issue that affects women in all countries and is a significant contributor to their poor health. Women who have experienced DV, in particular, suffer from the gynecological, nervous system, and stress-related issues. Despite such devastating implications, there is a paucity of data on the prevalence of DV and its associated factors among married reproductive-age women in Cameroon.

METHOD

The data were analyzed by using STATA version 14 from a demographic and health survey conducted in Cameroon in 2018. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done. Statistical significance was determined using a p-value of less than 0.05 and a 95% confidence range.

RESULT

A total of 4,903 ever-married women were included in the study. The mean age ± standard deviation, of the participants was 31.3 (± 8.4) years with an age range of 15-49 years. The prevalence of DV among ever-married Cameroonian women was 30.5% with 95%CI (29.3%, 31.8%). Women's educational attainment (higher educational level) (AOR = 0.58, 95% CI (0.37, 0.92), p value = 0.02), Husband's educational level (husbands who attended primary educational level (AOR = 1.30, 95% CI (1.01, 1.68), p value = 0.04), a woman who had media exposure regarding DV ( AOR = 0.83, 95% CI (0.0, 0.99), p value = 0.04), a woman whose husband drinks alcohol (AOR = 3.00, 95% CI (2.56, 3.53), p value < 0.001), and the region where the women reside (center without Yaoundé (AOR = 2.48, 95% CI (1.75, 3.52), p value < 0.001), west (AOR = 1.49, 95% CI (1.05, 2.11), p value = 0.02), South (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI (1.31, 2.72), p-value = 0.001), and Yaoundé (AOR = 1.65. 95% CI (1.14, 2.39), p value = 0.009) were factors that were significantly associated to DV committed by a husband in the previous 12 months against ever-married women.

CONCLUSION

The present study revealed that the prevalence of DV among ever-married women in Cameroon is high. Women's educational level, husband's educational level, husband's alcohol drinking status, women's exposure to mass-media about DV, and the region where the woman resides in the country were factors significantly associated with DV.

Socioeconomic Determinants of Domestic Violence in Northeast India: Evidence From the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4)

Violence against women is now widely recognized as an important public health problem, owing to its health consequences. Domestic violence generally refers to violence against women that generally takes place in the matrimonial home, which includes physical, emotional, sexual as well as economical violence occurring in the adult relationship. Domestic violence has negative impact on the demographic outcome of a country or region, which includes the health and health seeking behavior of women. The present study is an attempt to investigate the socioeconomic factors that would significantly influence domestic violence in the northeastern region of India. The northeastern region of India comprises of eight states, including Manipur and Sikkim, which are reported having the highest and the least prevalence of domestic violence in the whole country according to NFHS-4. Considering these reports and having a different socioeconomic setup as compared to other states in the mainland India, we selected the region for the current study. Data from NFHS-4 conducted during 2015-16 is being employed for the present study. Findings show that education of women, wealth, women's working status, religion, parity of women, and husband's alcohol use are some of the significant covariates that might have influenced domestic violence. The overall prevalence of physical, emotional, sexual, and severe physical violence among women of northeastern India are 24.7%, 11.8%, 6.4%, and 5.3%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis computes the relative risks of categorical variables via the odds ratios. Those women who got higher education and are in upper wealth quintiles have less risk of experiencing domestic violence as compared to women in lower education and lower wealth quintile in northeastern India. There is no rural urban difference in experiencing domestic violence in the region.

Prevalence and related factors of intimate partner violence among married women in Garmsar, Iran

BACKGROUND

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is the most common type of domestic violence often used by men against their wives. Due to the destructive and widespread social and health consequences of IPV, the present study aimed to investigate the prevalence and related factors of IPV among married women in Garmsar, Iran.

METHODS

Using multi-stage clusters sampling method, this cross-sectional study included 400 married women in Garmsar, Iran. The data collection process was conducted during October and December 2019 using a researcher-made questionnaire. The content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed using content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI) indicators (0.85 and 0.88, respectively). Also, the reliability was confirmed by examining the internal consistency and obtaining a score of 0.93 for Cronbach's alpha. Descriptive and analytical statistics were performed using t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey's post-hoc test.

RESULTS

Most participants were in the age range of 20-40 years (mean age: 34.9 years). The overall exposure of women to IPV was 56.11%. In addition, the most prevalent types of IPV included legal (24%), social (24%), financial (22%), verbal (16%), physical (13%), emotional (12%), and sexual (11%). The effective factors on the prevalence of IPV included number of children, education level, occupation, and age (P less than 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We witnessed that women living in Garmsar faced different types of IPV and their overall exposure to this phenomenon was higher than the national and global average. To resolve the problem, the following measurements are recommended: a careful investigation of the reasons for the spread of IPV, implementing interventions based on reliable evidence, and serious cooperation of the experts and relevant governmental and non-governmental institutions, particularly citizens.

Prevalence of Domestic Violence Against Women Undergoing Methadone Maintenance Therapy Programs and its Related Risk Factors

Background

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of domestic violence (DV) against women who are undergoing methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) and its related risk factors.

Methods

This case-control study was conducted on 195 women who were under MMT and a control group consisting of 195 women who were not under it in the city of Zahedan from 22 May to 1 December 2019. Data were collected using a questionnaire for the measurement of violence against women and a sociodemographic questionnaire. In order to analyze the data, the t test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson's correlation, and multiple regression analysis were used.

Findings

In the case group, 67.2% of participants had experienced DV during the past year. In the control group, the prevalence was 78.5%. The rate of more than one occasion of DV was significantly higher in the group who were under MMT (P<0.05). The most common type of violence was mental abuse. Physical, sexual, and economic abuses were in the next ranks. Important predictors of DV, in order of importance, were: the women's low educational level, smoking, income level, and polygamy (P<0.05).

Conclusion

MMT is not a risk factor for DV. It seems that the rate of DV against women in Zahedan is very high. The prevalence of recurrent DV in women under MMT was higher than in the general population.

Violence Against Women During COVID-19 Pandemic

The objectives of this study were to correlate several factors - including depression, anxiety, stress and self-esteem levels in both men and women - with the occurrence of domestic violence against women (VAW) during quarantine. This cross-sectional study was carried out in April 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic when lockdown procedures were implemented; 86 married couples participated in this study amounting to 172 responses in total. A different questionnaire was set for women and men; the couple filled out their respective questionnaire simultaneously, but privately where one did not see the answers of the other. Inclusion criteria included married couples of all ages that are living together during the lockdown of COVID-19. The results of this study showed that a higher total abuse score was found in 39 females (45.3%; CI: 0.34 - 0.56). Being a Muslim female (Beta =24.80) and females having higher anxiety (Beta=0.97) were significantly associated with higher total abuse scores, whereas higher stress score in female (Beta=-0.61) was significantly associated with lower total abuse scores. In conclusion, this study focuses on VAW as a serious problem while demonstrating its further emergence during quarantine. This study also focused on the effects brought on by lockdown policies, including social and economic factors, and their implications in the increase of VAW during this pandemic.

Understanding the factors associated with married women's attitudes towards wife-beating in sub-Saharan Africa

BACKGROUND

Intimate partner violence remains a major public health problem, especially in countries in sub-Saharan Africa. We examined the factors associated with married women's attitudes towards wife-beating in sub-Saharan Africa.

METHODS

We used Demographic and Health Survey data of 28 sub-Saharan African countries that had surveys conducted between 2010 and 2019. A sample of 253,782 married women was considered for the analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out, and the results were presented using crude odds ratio (cOR) and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) at 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS

The pooled result showed about 71.4% of married women in the 28 countries in this study did not justify wife-beating. However, the prevalence of non-justification of wife-beating varied from 83.4% in Malawi to 17.7% in Mali. Women's age (40-44 years-aOR = 1.61, 95% CI 1.16-2.24), women's educational level (secondary school-aOR = 1.47, 95% CI 1.13-1.91), husband's educational level (higher-aOR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.31-0.95), women's occupation type (professional, technical or managerial-aOR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.06-2.62), wealth index (richest-aOR = 5.52, 95% CI 3.46-8.80) and women's decision-making power (yes-aOR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.19-1.62) were significantly associated with attitude towards wife-beating.

CONCLUSION

Overall, less than three-fourth of married women in the 28 sub-Saharan African countries disagreed with wife-beating but marked differences were observed across socio-economic, decision making and women empowerment factors. Enhancing women's socioeconomic status, decision making power, and creating employment opportunities for women should be considered to increase women's intolerance of wife-beating  practices, especially among countries with low prevalence rates such as Mali.

Intimate partner violence and associated factors among reproductive age women in Liberia: a cross-sectional study using a recent Liberian demographic and health survey

Background

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health problem and a violation of women's human rights. Almost one third of women aged 15–49 years who have been in a relationship have experienced to some form of physical and/or sexual violence by their intimate partner worldwide.

Objective

The study aimed to assess the prevalence of intimate partner violence within the last 12 months and associated factors among reproductive aged women in Liberia.

Method

This study was based on a large community-based cross-sectional survey, Liberia Demographic Health Survey (LDHS), conducted From October 16, 2019, to February 12, 2020, in Liberia. The 2019–20 LDHS used a stratified two-stage cluster design. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent intimate partner violence among reproductive age women in Liberia and to control confounders. Adjusted odds ratio and confidence interval (CI) were used to declare statistical significance in the final model. Those variables with p value < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant.

Result

The overall prevalence of IPV within the last 12 months was 44.74% (42.73–46.77). age of the women 41% (AOR = 0.59, 95%CI 0.37–0.93), 42% (AOR = 0.58, 95%CI 0.35–0.94), and 59% (AOR = 0.41, 95%CI 0.25–0.68) among women with in the age group of 35–39, 40–44 and 45–49 respectively, south central region (AOR = 0.71, 95%CI 0.52–0.96), women’s primary education (AOR = 1.28, 95%CI 1.01–1.63), female household head (AOR = 0.77, 95%CI 0.61–0.97), husbands higher education (AOR = 0.62, 95%CI 0.39–0.99), positive wife beating attitude (AOR = 1.57, 95%CI 1.29–1.90), husband drinks (AOR = 2.59, 95%CI 2.14–3.15) and Women’s decision making autonomy (AOR = 0.75, 95%CI 0.61–0.93) were significantly associated with IPV.

Conclusion

The prevalence of IPV in Liberia was high. Socio-demographic characteristics of women, husbands education, sex of household head, having a positive attitude towards wife-beating, partner’s alcohol drinking habit and women empowerment was significantly associated with IPV in Liberia. Policymakers and program designers have to take into account those factors when they design interventions to reduce IPV in Liberia.

Association between exposure to intimate partner violence and the nutritional status of women and children in Nigeria

Background

Globally, intimate partner violence (IPV) epitomizes a greater proportion of the violence experienced by women, with more than a third of women (41.3%) in sub-Saharan Africa reporting IPV during their lifetime. This study examined the association between exposure to IPV and the nutritional status of women and their children in Nigeria.

Methods

The study analyzed secondary data obtained from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. Data on women’s lifetime experience of psychological, physical, and sexual IPV, as well as demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, were collected. We used regression models to determine the association between exposure to IPV and women and child nutrition indicators. A weighted sample of 4,391 women aged 15–49 years and 2,145 children 6–59 months were analyzed.

Results

The lifetime experience of IPV in the study was 35.31% (95% CI: 33.35, 37.33), 30.43% (95% CI: 28.54, 32.38) experienced psychological IPV, 19.43% (95% CI: 17.79, 21.19) experienced physical IPV, and 6.03% (95% CI: 5.12, 7.09) experienced sexual IPV. After adjusting for a range of characteristics, maternal lifetime exposure to IPV was associated with underweight (ARRR = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.44, 0.91) and overweight/obesity (ARRR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.58). We also found that, children whose mothers experienced IPV were less likely to be underweight compared to their counterparts (ARRR = 0.69; 95% CI: 0.50, 0.96).

Conclusions

Overall, IPV against women, particularly psychological, physical, and sexual IPV, is common in Nigeria and has an association with the nutritional status of affected women and their children. According to the study, women with a lifetime experience of IPV were more likely to be overweight. On the other hand, affected women’s children were less likely to be underweight. A far-reaching effort is required to curb IPV against women, particularly policies, programs, and laws are needed to protect women and children from the unfavourable effects of IPV to reduce the prevalence and impact of such violence.

The evaluation of the subjection of married women to domestic violence in terms of submissive behaviors in Turkey: A descriptive study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the subjection of married women living in the center of a city in Turkey to domestic violence in terms of submissive behaviors.

DESIGN AND METHODS

The study was descriptive and cross-sectional. The data were collected from married women (n = 7097) who volunteered to participate in the study and completed a survey form between September 2019 and February 2020.

RESULTS

Submissive behavior scores were high in the women subjected to physical violence, based on many characteristics, and the difference between groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05).

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Nurses should be active participants in the diagnosis, treatment, care, and rehabilitation processes of women who have suffered from violence and should support them in improving their coping skills.

Association between Sociodemographic Factors and Abuse by a Parent or Intimate Partner Violence among Haitian Women: A Population-Based Study

One in three Haitian women, and two in three Haitian children, experience physical abuse. This study aims to assess characteristics of abused Haitian women and identify effective sources of support. This cross-sectional study used multiple logistic regression models to analyze sociodemographic characteristics of Haitian women, associations with abuse-exposure from a parent/intimate partner (IPV)/any perpetrator, and impacts of seeking help for abuse, from police/doctors/family. About 9.1% experienced abuse by a parent, 8.6% from IPV. Women abused by a parent were less likely to be employed (OR = 0.74, [95% CI = 0.59–0.93]) and more likely to have an often-drunk partner (2.10, [1.54–2.87]). IPV-exposed women were more likely to have primary education (1.56, [1.12–2.16]), an often-drunk partner (3.07, [2.24–4.22]) and less likely to live rurally (0.65, [0.47–0.89]). Seeking help from own family for IPV exposure was strongly associated with having a job (2.00, [1.04–3.89]) (P for interaction = 0.039) and seeking help from partner’s family for IPV was strongly associated with having an often-drunk husband (8.80, [3.07–25.23]) (p for interaction <0.001). We recommend family-based interventions targeting men’s perceptions about abuse and their alcohol consumption, introducing programs/policies integrating women into the workforce, and havens for abuse victims to confidentially receive individualized support.

"I Have Since Repented": Discursive Analysis of the Role of Religion in Husband-to-Wife Abuse in Ghana

Religion has long been recognized as a powerful tool capable of shaping the lives of people in many societies. In this study, we draw insights from discursive psychology to explore the influence of religious beliefs and practices on the perpetration of husband-to-wife abuse and the entrapment of victims in Ghana. Semi-structured focus group discussions and in-depth individual interviews were conducted with 40 participants, comprising 16 (60%) perpetrators (men), 16 (60%) victims (women), and eight (20%) key informants from rural and urban Ghana. Participants' discursive accounts suggest that both perpetrators and victims invoke religious instructions on gender norms to legitimize male authority over women in marriage. While perpetrators construct husbands' conjugal authority over their wives in terms of prescriptive religious norms, victims construct their entrapment in abusive relationships in terms of proscriptive theology of divorce in the bible. The double-edged role of religion in providing both motivational and inhibitory support for wife abusers is also discussed.

Dating violence, violence in social networks, anxiety and depression in nursing degree students: A cross-sectional study

AIM

To determine the prevalence and risk factors for dating violence and the correlations between dating violence and violence in social networks, anxiety and depression among nursing students.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional and correlational study.

METHODS

This study was conducted with nursing degree students at Spanish university during May 2021. A total of 248 nursing students completed an online survey. The online survey included sociodemographic variables, the Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationships Inventory, the Social Network Violence Scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Chi-squared test, Pearson's correlation and logistic regression were used.

RESULTS

Of the participants, 13.3% were men and 86.7% were women. A total of 53.2% had experienced and/or perpetrated dating violence. About violence in social networks, 22.2% of the participants had perpetrated it, and 20.2% had been victims of it. Strong correlations were found between experiencing and perpetrating dating violence. Significant associated factors were cohabitation with a partner, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status and history of dating violence.

CONCLUSIONS

Dating violence is a serious problem given its high prevalence among the surveyed nursing students, who, as future health professionals, must know how to recognize and react to possible cases of abuse.

IMPACT

The study results add to international literature that men and women university nursing students are equally susceptible to intimate partner violence and report similar prevalence of dating violence. Also, dating violence is correlated with increased levels of anxiety and depression. It seems to be necessary to implement training programmes that help minimize the problem and identify possible cases.

Alcohol, Aggression, and Violence: From Public Health to Neuroscience

Alcohol has been associated with violent crimes and domestic violence across many nations. Various etiological factors were linked to chronic alcohol use and violence including psychiatric comorbidities of perpetrators such as personality disorders, mood disorders, and intermittent explosive disorders. Aggression is the precursor of violence and individuals prone to aggressive behaviors are more likely to commit impulsive violent crimes, especially under the influence of alcohol. Findings from brain studies indicate long-term alcohol consumption induced morphological changes in brain regions involved in self-control, decision-making, and emotional processing. In line with this, the inherent dopaminergic and serotonergic anomalies seen in aggressive individuals increase their susceptibility to commit violent crimes when alcohol present in their system. In relation to this, this article intends to investigate the influence of alcohol on aggression with sociopsychological and neuroscientific perspectives by looking into comorbidity of personality or mood disorders, state of the mind during alcohol consumption, types of beverages, environmental trigger, neurochemical changes, and gender differences that influence individual responses to alcohol intake and susceptibility to intoxicated aggression.

Exploring the Linkages between Substance Use, Natural Disasters, Pandemics, and Intimate Partner Violence against Women: A Rapid Review in the Context of COVID-19

Rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) and substance use have risen during the COVID-19 pandemic, with potentially enduring effects on women’s health. A rapid review was conducted on IPV and women’s substance use in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The rapid review explored two separate research questions with a view to integrate the literature related to: (1) containment, social isolation, pandemics, disasters, lockdowns, and IPV; and (2) the relationships between substance use and IPV. Two different searches for each question were conducted between May and October 2020 and n = 47 articles were included. Women experience multiple physical and mental health consequences related to IPV that can be exacerbated by public health crises such as pandemics and disasters. Perpetrators may use these events as a tactic to threaten, isolate, or use coercive control. Similar tactics are reported in the complex relationship between IPV and substance use, where substance use can accompany IPV and/or be used as a coping mechanism for survivors. The findings highlight long standing women’s health concerns made further visible during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional research is needed to identify actions required to reduce gender inequities and harms associated with IPV and substance use, and to adequately tailor and prepare effective responses in the context of future public health crises.

Association between intimate partner violence and male alcohol use and the receipt of perinatal care: Evidence from Nepal demographic and health survey 2011-2016

The utilization of perinatal care services among women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) and male alcohol use is a major problem. Adequate and regular perinatal care is essential through the continuum of pregnancy to mitigate pregnancy and birth complications. The aim of this study is to determine the association between IPV and male alcohol use and the receipt of perinatal care in Nepal. This study used pooled data from 2011 and 2016 Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys (NDHS). A total of 3067 women who interviewed for domestic violence module and had most recent live birth 5 years prior surveys were included in the analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between IPV and male alcohol use and the receipt of perinatal care. Of the total women interviewed, 22% reported physical violence, 14% emotional violence, and 11% sexual violence. Women who were exposed to physical violence were significantly more likely to report non-usage of institutional delivery [adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) = 1.30 (95% Cl: 1.01, 1.68)] and skilled delivery assistants [aOR = 1.43 (95% Cl: 1.10, 1.88)]. Non-attendance of 4 or more skilled antenatal care visits was associated with a combination of alcohol use by male partner and exposure to emotional [aOR = 1.42 (95% Cl: 1.01, 2.00)] and physical violence [aOR = 1.39 (95% Cl: 1.03, 1.88)]. The negative association between IPV and perinatal care suggests it is essential to develop comprehensive community-based interventions which integrates IPV support services with other health services to increase the uptake of perinatal care through the continuum of pregnancy.

The impact of a maternal mental health intervention on intimate partner violence in Northern Ghana and the mediating roles of social support and couple communication: secondary analysis of a cluster randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUNDS

Diverse intervention efforts are implemented to address intimate partner violence (IPV) against women. Via a syndemics theory lens and emerging empirical evidence, mental health interventions demonstrate promise to partially ameliorate IPV. However, the mechanisms of change underlying many IPV interventions are not well understood. These gaps impede our efforts to strengthen or integrate effective components into the current mental health resources, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aims to examine the impact of a maternal mental health intervention called Integrated Mothers and Babies Course & Early Childhood Development (iMBC/ECD) on IPV and whether social support and/or couple communication mediates the intervention effects among women in rural, Northern Ghana.

METHODS

The current study is a secondary data analysis of a cluster randomized controlled trial. IPV was measured at baseline and 8 months post-intervention (~ 19 months post-baseline). At baseline, 84.8% of the women enrolled in the study (n = 374) reported some type of IPV in the past 12 months. Logistic regression models and multiple mediation analyses were used to address the study aims.

RESULTS

iMBC/ECD did not reduce IPV in the intervention group compared to the control group. Social support and couple communication did not mediate the intervention effects on IPV as indicated by the indirect effects of the multiple mediation models. However, increase in social support reduced women's odds of experiencing emotional violence by 7%, odds ratio (OR) = 0.93, p = 0.007; b = - 0.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) = (- 0.13, - 0.02), and improvement in couple communication demonstrated promise in reducing women's odds of experiencing controlling behaviors by 7%, OR = 0.93, p = 0.07; b = - 0.07, CI = (- 0.14, 0.005), though the improvements were not due to the intervention.

CONCLUSION

This maternal mental health intervention did not reduce IPV; however, the findings extend our knowledge about the impact of such interventions on IPV and the potential mechanisms of change via social support and couple communication. Future research evaluating the impact of mental health interventions on IPV and mechanisms of change is essential for the development of effective interventions. Future programs addressing IPV in LMICs should consider risk factors beyond relationship level (e.g. poverty and gender inequity).

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov # NCT03665246 , Registered on August 20th, 2018.

Do women with autonomy in the household experience less intimate partner violence in Malawi? Evidence from the 2015-16 Demographic and Health Survey

In Malawi, the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV), or closely related violence, is estimated at 42% according to the 2015-16 Malawi Demography and Health Survey (MDHS). This study investigated the association between women's autonomy in household decision-making participation as well as sexual autonomy and IPV among married and cohabiting women aged 15-49 years in Malawi. Secondary data were taken from the 2015-16 MDHS. Multivariate analysis was performed using a stepwise forward logistic (binary) regression model to assess the association of dimensions of women's autonomy in the household and selected control variables with IPV. No association was found between dimensions of women's autonomy in the household and IPV. However, other variables did have an association with some form of IPV, namely women justifying wife beating, having a jealous partner, being accused of unfaithfulness by their partner, having a partner who drinks alcohol and having a partner with another woman or more. In addition, religion, ethnicity, women education level and women's occupation were found to be associated with the risk of experiencing IPV. The study recommends policy interventions aimed at supporting youth, especially girls, to complete secondary education before they marry or cohabit; the development of accessible and affordable psycho-social counselling specialists and platforms for married and cohabiting couples; nationwide rigorous advocacy and civic education on IPV; and enforcement of Malawi's 2006 domestic violence law.

Prevalence of spousal violence among married women in a rural area in North Kerala

Background

Domestic violence has substantial public health consequences. More than one-third of women globally suffer from physical and sexual violence, mostly by an intimate partner with a lifetime prevalence of 10%-69%. In India, 28.8% of the ever-married women in the reproductive age group, reported domestic violence. Although Kerala, in southern India, performs better than other Indian states on a host of human development indicators for women, 15.8% among the women in this group have ever experienced physical or sexual violence in the past 12 months, the most common perpetrator being the husband.

Methodology

A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among the ever-married women, residing in a selected area of northern Kerala, who have been married for at least 1 year. One to one structured interview was conducted with a pretested structured questionnaire by the investigator. Spousal violence was defined as proportion of ever-married women with a lifetime experience of violence perpetrated by their spouse, manifested through acts of physical, sexual, and/or emotional violence, even threat.

Results

A total of 290 women were interviewed. The age of the participants ranged from 18 years to 64 years; majority were Muslims. Only 16.5% were college-educated and over 90% were homemakers. 29% reported having experienced spousal violence; with the most common being emotional violence (19%) closely followed by sexual violence (18.6%) and physical violence (14.8%). A little over one-third (39.7%) reported controlling behaviour of their husband. Age of the participant (P = 0.019), absence of social support (P = 0.034), employment status of husband (P = 0.026), controlling behaviour of husband (P < 0.001), alcohol abuse by husband (P = 0.004) and extra-marital relationship of spouse (P < 0.001) were found to have significant influence on spousal violence experience.

Conclusion

More than a quarter of the married women in this rural setting have experienced one or the other form of violence.

Recommendation

A multifaceted approach needs to be employed which takes into consideration legal measures, social sciences, women empowerment, mental health systems and educate the men to curb this menace.

Spatial distribution and predictors of domestic violence against women: evidence from analysis of Ethiopian demographic health survey 2016

BACKGROUND

Violence against women particularly that is committed by an intimate partner is becoming a social and public health problem across the world. Studies show that the spatial variation in the distribution of domestic violence was commonly attributed to neighborhood-level predictors. Despite the prominent benefits of spatial techniques, research findings are limited. Therefore, the current study intends to determine the spatial distribution and predictors of domestic violence among women aged 15-49 in Ethiopia.

METHODS

Data from the Ethiopian demographic health survey 2016 were used to determine the spatial distribution of domestic violence in Ethiopia. Spatial auto-correlation statistics (both Global and Local Moran's I) were used to assess the spatial distribution of domestic violence cases in Ethiopia. Spatial locations of significant clusters were identified by using Kuldorff's Sat Scan version 9.4 software. Finally, binary logistic regression and a generalized linear mixed model were fitted to identify predictors of domestic violence.

RESULT

The study found that spatial clustering of domestic violence cases in Ethiopia with Moran's I value of 0.26, Z score of 8.26, and P value < 0.01. The Sat Scan analysis identifies the primary most likely cluster in Oromia, SNNP regions, and secondary cluster in the Amhara region. The output from regression analysis identifies low economic status, partner alcohol use, witnessing family violence, marital controlling behaviors, and community acceptance of wife-beating as significant predictors of domestic violence.

CONCLUSION

There is spatial clustering of IPV cases in Ethiopia. The output from regression analysis shows that individual, relationship, and community-level predictors were strongly associated with IPV. Based upon our findings, we give the following recommendation: The government should give prior concern for controlling factors such as high alcohol consumption, improper parenting, and community norm that encourage IPV that were responsible for IPV in the identified hot spot areas.

Child polyvictimization in Zongo communities in Ghana: Young people's reflections on systemic resilience enablers

PURPOSE

Polyvictimization is often commonplace for young people living in violent communities. The situation is no different for young people in Ghanaian Zongo communities where poverty, social disorder and social vices are prevalent due to structural reasons.

OBJECTIVE

Using the social ecology approach to resilience, the study sought the perspectives of young people about how systemic aspects of community contribute to their positive development in high-risk communities.

METHODS

Following the short narrative approach, 23 young people ages 18-24 from two Zongo communities in Ghana were engaged in qualitative interviews.

FINDINGS

Cultural values of solidarity and peer support were common systemic enablers that facilitated young peoples' resilience. These enablers provided context and resources which ensured their survival in cases of neglect and abuse. Cultural values of solidarity exemplified by care for each other among residents created a safe environment and cultural capital contributed to the young peoples' resilience. Additionally, the "base" within Zongo communities provided a social structure that enabled peer support and promoted young peoples' resilience in the face of polyvictimization experiences.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

The findings shift the resilience discourse from a conception of personality traits to one of collective aspects of community systems. They also identify cultural values of solidarity within the community that provide cultural capital for the social functioning of young people dealing with polyvictimization in high-risk environments. The findings provide pathways for professionals to promote resilience and develop resilience-oriented primary preventive measures for adolescents living in high-risk environments in Africa.

Intimate partner violence among pregnant women attending antenatal care services in the rural Gambia

BACKGROUND

Intimate partner violence (IPV) refers to any behavior by either a current or ex-intimate partner or would-be rejected lover that causes physical, sexual, or psychological harm. It is the most common form of violence in women's lives. According to a World Health Organization report, about 1 in 3 women worldwide experience at least one form of IPV from an intimate partner at some point in her life. In the Gambia, about 62% of pregnant women experience at least one form of violence from an intimate partner. IPV has severe physical and mental health consequences on a woman ranging from minor bodily injury to death. It also increases the risk of low birth weight, premature delivery, and neonatal death.

METHODS

A health facility-based cross-sectional study design was carried out to assess the magnitude and factors associated with intimate partner violence among pregnant women seeking antenatal care in the rural Gambia. The study enrolled 373 pregnant women, and a multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the respondents. An interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from the study participants. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS Ver.22. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine the association between dependent and independent variables. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) was computed to determine the presence and strength of associated factors with IPV.

RESULT

The study reveals that the prevalence of IPV in The Gambia is 67%, with psychological violence (43%) being the most common form of IPV reported by the respondents. The multivariate logistic regression result reveals that being aged 35 years or older [AOR 5.1(95% CI 1.5-17.8)], the experience of parents quarreling during childhood [AOR 1.7(95% CI 1.0-2.75)], and having cigarette smoking partners [AOR 2.3 (95% CI 1.10-4.6)] were significantly associated with IPV during pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

This study has demonstrated that all forms of IPV in rural Gambia are frequent. Women older than 35 years, had experienced parents quarreling, had a partner who smoked, and a partner who fight with others were more likely report IPV compared to other pregnant women in the study. We recommend that IPV screening should be included as an integral part of routine antenatal care services in The Gambia. Community-based interventions that include indigenous leaders, religious leaders, and other key stakeholders are crucial to create awareness on all forms of IPV and address the risk factors found to influence the occurrence of IPV in rural Gambia.

Bayesian semi-parametric spatial modelling of intimate partner violence in Namibia using 2013 Demographic Health Survey Data

BACKGROUND

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is an important public health problem with health and socioeconomic consequences and is endemic in Namibia. Studies assessing risk factors for IPV often use logistic and Poisson regression without geographical location information and spatial effects. We used a Bayesian spatial semi-parametric regression model to determine the risk factors for IPV in Namibia; assess the non-linear effects of age difference between partners and determine spatial effects in the different regions on IPV prevalence.

METHODS

We used the couples' dataset of the 2013-2014 Namibia Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) obtained on request from Measure DHS. The DHS domestic violence module included 2226 women. We generated a binary variable measuring IPV from the questions "ever experienced physical, sexual or emotional violence?" Covariates included respondent's educational level, age, couples' age difference, place of residence and partner's educational level. All estimation was done with the full Bayesian approach using R version 3.5.2 implementing the R2BayesX package.

RESULTS

IPV country prevalence was 33.3% (95% CI = 30.1-36.5%); Kavango had the highest [50.6% (95% CI = 41.2-60.1%)] and Oshana the lowest [11.5% (95% CI = 3.2-19.9%)] regional prevalence. IPV prevalence was highest among teenagers [60.8% (95% CI = 36.9-84.7%)]). The spatial semi-parametric model used for adjusted results controlled for regional spatial effects, respondent's age, age difference, respondent's years of education, residence, wealth, and education levels. Women with higher education were 50% less likely to experience IPV [aOR: 0.46, 95% CI = 0.23-0.87]. For non-linear effects, the risk of IPV was high for women ≥ 5 years older or ≥ 25 years younger than their partners. Younger and older women had higher risks of IPV than those between 25 and 45 years. For spatial variation of IPV prevalence, northern regions had low spatial effects while western regions had very high spatial effects.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of IPV among Namibia women was high especially among teenagers, with higher educational levels being protective. The risk of IPV was lower in rural than urban areas and higher with wide partner age differences. Interventions and policies for IPV prevention in Namibia are needed for couples with wide age differences as well as for younger women, women with lower educational attainment and in urban and western regions.

Variations in Emotional, Sexual, and Physical Intimate Partner Violence Among Women in Uganda: A Multilevel Analysis

Evidence shows that a significant proportion of ever-partnered women suffer some form of intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetuated by male partners. The prevalence of IPV in sub-Saharan African countries is considerably higher than global estimates. Although existing studies show the effect of women's and intimate male partner's characteristics on IPV, knowledge on how these factors increase or reduce women's risk to specific types of IPV is limited. Using the 2016 Ugandan Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS), we examine regional variations in women's and intimate male partner's characteristics and their effect on emotional, sexual, and physical violence perpetuated by men and experienced by women in Uganda. The result shows that women's educational status is a significant predictor of all forms of IPV, whereas other characteristics, such as employment and housing ownership, have differential effects on specific types of IPV. Less educated women were more likely to experience emotional, sexual, and physical violence. Alcohol abuse was a significant determinant of men perpetuating all types of IPV; other male characteristics had differential effects on specific types of IPV. Male partners who abuse alcohol "often" and "sometimes" were more likely to commit acts of emotional, sexual, and physical violence against their female intimate partners. The findings also show that ~5%, ~8%, and ~2% of the variance in emotional, sexual, and physical violence (respectively; in the final models) are attributable to regional differences. The findings suggest the need for interventions aimed at increasing women's access to higher education, working with men and boys to reduce the occurrence of alcohol abuse and address harmful constructions of masculinity, and promoting gender equality among men as well as women.

Prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence Among Pregnant Women in the Poor Neighborhoods of Hamadan, Iran

Intimate partner violence (IPV) occurs in all settings, especially in poor neighborhoods. It is considered to be a serious public health concern with serious consequences in the short and long term for abused women because of distinct barriers in obtaining support sources. Therefore this cross-sectional study focuses on the prevalence and the determinants of IPV among pregnant women residents in poor neighborhoods. Overall, 63.8% experienced at least one type of IPV. Also, educational status, family's monthly income, husband's employment status, and having a smoker husband were found to be important predictors of IPV against pregnant women. A better understanding of social determinants of violence can help decision-makers in developing effective policies. It is crucial to prioritize the poor neighborhoods for future interventions to reduce IPV imposed during pregnancy.

Intimate partner violence against reproductive-age women and associated factors in Peru: evidence from national surveys, 2015-2017

PURPOSE

We aimed to evaluate the factors associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) against reproductive-age women in Peru.

METHODS

Secondary analysis of the ENDES 2015-2017. ENDES is a multi-stage survey with a probabilistic sampling design for the urban and rural areas of the 25 regions of Peru. A total of 62,870 women of reproductive age (15-49 years) were included. IPV was defined as any report of violence (physical, psychological or sexual) committed by the last partner of the women. Categorical variables were described using absolute frequencies and weighted proportions. We used generalized linear models with Poisson family and log link function to calculate prevalence ratios (PR) for the associated factors with their respective 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

The overall IPV was 38.7%. The prevalence of sexual, psychological and physical IPV was 6.9%, 26.8%, and 31.2%, respectively. The frequency of any IPV was lower in younger women, those living with their intimate partners or married, and those living in a coastal region different from Lima. IPV was more frequent among women with a low educational level, or with a partner with low educational level, with children, with a partner with alcohol habit, in women with a history of violence by the father against the mother and living in the highlands or the jungle.

CONCLUSIONS

In Peru, IPV affects nearly four in ten women (physical and psychological types were the most frequent). The factors associated with IPV can be useful markers to identify the most vulnerable groups for implementing interventions intended to decrease the prevalence of IPV.

Determination of the factors affecting sexual violence against women in Turkey: a population-based analysis

Background

Sexual violence is one of the most investigated types of violence by national and international decision makers. The purpose of this study was to detect the factors that affect sexual violence against women in Turkey.

Methods

In this study, a cross-sectional data set was employed from the survey titled the National Research on Domestic Violence against Women in Turkey, which was conducted by the Hacettepe University Institute of Population Studies. Binary logistic and probit regression analyses were used to determine the factors influential in women’s exposure to sexual violence.

Results

The findings obtained from the analyses indicated that women’s exposure to sexual violence was influenced by a variety of factors including region, age, level of education, employment status, health condition, marital status, number of children as well as exposure to physical, economic, and verbal abuse. In addition, it was determined that the level of education, employment status, drug use, infidelity and other variables related to the husband/partner of the women who participated in the survey affected the women’s exposure to sexual violence.

Conclusion

There remains a higher probability of exposure to sexual violence among women residing in rural and less developed regions. A decrease in the women’s level of education increased their probability of exposure to sexual violence. An increase in the women's age and an increase in the level of education of the women’s husbands/partners lowered the probability of their exposure to sexual violence. There was a higher probability of exposure to sexual violence among women who had experienced physical, economic, and verbal abuse.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Associated Factors of Gender-Based Violence against Women in Sub-Saharan Africa

A systematic review and meta-analysis were employed to address the associated factors of gender-based violence (GBV) in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were followed. Ovid Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane Central, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science were used to source articles with stringent eligibility criteria. A total of 4931 studies were found and 50 studies met the inclusion criteria. Pooled meta-analyses revealed that low educational attainment, higher alcohol consumption, substance use, history of child and family abuse, limited decision-making skills, experiencing depression, males having multiple sexual partners, and younger age were found to be individual- and family-associated factors that increase the experiences of GBV. Community tolerant attitudes to violence, women's unemployment, being Muslim, lower socioeconomic class, food and social insecurity were found to be community- and societal-associated factors of GBV. Alcohol consumption, low educational attainment, experiencing depression, being younger, a history of child and family abuse, tolerant attitudes to violence, and low socioeconomic status were poignant factors associated with GBV amongst women in SSA countries. The need to develop a multipronged approach of intervention is a top priority in SSA to reach the Sustainable Development Goals' (SDGs) target of 2030 to eliminate all forms of violence. Socio-behavioural change communication interventions at individual and community levels need to be introduced, and interventions need to address the prevention of child and family abuse and increase women's feelings of empowerment in order to prevent GBV in SSA.

Economic violence against women: A case in Turkey

The aim of this study was to determine the factors affecting the exposure of women in the 15–59 age group in Turkey to economic violence by their husbands/partners. The micro data set of the National Research on Domestic Violence against Women in Turkey, which was conducted by the Hacettepe University Institute of Population Studies, was employed in this study. The factors affecting women’s exposure to economic violence were determined using the binary logistic regression analysis. In the study, women in the 15–24, 25–34 and 35–44 age group had a higher ratio of exposure to economic violence compared to the reference group. Women who graduated from elementary school, secondary school, and high school had a higher ratio of exposure to economic violence compared to those who have never gone to school. Women’s exposure to physical, sexual and verbal violence was also important factor affecting women’s exposure to economic violence. The results obtained in this study are important in that they can be a source of information for establishing policies and programs to prevent violence against women. This study can also be a significant guide in determining priority areas for the resolution of economic violence against women.

Does husband's alcohol consumption increase the risk of domestic violence during the pregnancy and postpartum periods in Nepalese women?

Background

Domestic violence against women during pregnancy and the postpartum period not only violates the human rights of women but also harms on the health of both mother and child. Domestic violence is entrenching in social norms, customs and structural factors against women in Nepal. The use of alcohol also exacerbates domestic violence. The objective of this study was to determine the association between domestic violence against women and husband’s drinking behavior across the periods of pregnancy and postpartum.

Methods

This study was a cross-sectional study conducted in the antenatal care and postnatal care clinics of a government hospital in Kathmandu district. Among 660 women (aged 15–49), 165 women were consecutively recruited from each trimester of pregnancy and the postpartum period. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were computed from a multivariate logistic regression model to determine the association between domestic violence against women and the husband’s drinking behavior.

Results

Women whose husbands drank alcohol were twice as likely to suffer from domestic violence, compared to those women whose husbands did not drink (AOR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.4–3.2), independently of their socio-demographic status. Women suffered from domestic violence in each period of pregnancy and postpartum due to their husband’s drinking habits, but the most affected period was the second trimester of pregnancy. Among women who suffered from physical, psychological and sexual violence during the pregnancy and postpartum periods, 70.2, 67.9, and 64.2% respectively experienced violence due to their husband’s drinking habit. Other associated factors for domestic violence included the ethnic culture of Janjati ethnicity, illiteracy of the women, duration of marriage 2–5 years (compared to one year or less) and a husband who behaved in a controlling manner.

Conclusions

Having a husband who has alcohol drinking behavior is an important risk factor for domestic violence against women in the pregnancy and postpartum periods. Screening of alcohol use in husbands will not prevent domestic violence but could lead to a referral to integrated treatment for alcohol and domestic violence treatment.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-020-10021-y.

Physical, emotional and sexual violence faced by spouses in India: evidence on determinants and help-seeking behaviour from a nationally representative survey

OBJECTIVE

The current study was done to determine the prevalence, determinants, disclosure status and help-seeking behaviour of spousal violence using a nationally representative sample of ever-married women in India.

METHODS

We have analysed the most recent National Family Health Survey-4 data (2015-2016) gathered from the Demographic Health Survey programme. Stratification and clustering in the sample design were accounted using svyset command. Point estimates were reported as proportions with 95% CI.

RESULTS

A total of 66 013 ever-married women aged 15-49 years were included. Lifetime prevalence of spousal violence in India was 31% (95% CI 30.4% to 31.7%). Physical violence was the most common form accounting for 27.4% of victims followed by emotional (12.7%) and sexual violence (6.7%). Higher women's age, Muslim religion, low education, employed women, lower socioeconomic status, presence of substance use among women and husbands, lower education and unemployed husbands, history of family violence and women in Central and Eastern states had a significant association with one or more forms of spousal violence with significant p value. Prevalence of help-seeking behaviour among women who faced spousal violence in India was 13.5% (95% CI 12.8% to 14.2%). Widowed/separated/divorced women, employed and highly educated women, and women in Northern states had significantly higher prevalence of help-seeking behaviour with respect to all the forms of spousal violence (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

One in three women in India faces spousal violence. Only 1 in 10 women seeks help following violence. Efforts should be made to ensure people working in formal institutions screen for spousal violence and know how to respond to women facing it.

Determinants of modern contraceptive use among married women of reproductive age: a cross-sectional study in rural Zambia

OBJECTIVE

Zambia is among the world's top 10 countries with higher fertility rate (5.5 births/woman); unmet family planning need for births spacing (14%) and limiting births (7%). Women in rural Zambia (24%) are reported to have unmet need for family planning than those in urban areas (17%). This study was conducted to ascertain factors associated with modern contraceptive use among rural Zambian women.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Rural Zambia.

PARTICIPANTS

Secondary data of 4903 married or cohabiting rural women (15-49 years) after filtering out the pregnant, urban based and unmarried women from 2013 to 2014 Zambian Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) were analysed using SPSS V.22. Multiple logistic regression, Pearson's χ² and descriptive statistics were performed to examine factors associated with modern contraceptive use.

RESULTS

Factors that were positively associated with contraceptive use were respondent's education (secondary adjusted ORs (AOR = 1.61, p≤0.002); higher (AOR = 2.39, p≤0.050)), wealth index (middle class, (AOR = 1.35, p≤0.005); rich (AOR = 2.04, p≤0.001) and richest (AOR = 1.95, p≤0.034)), high parity (1-2 (AOR = 5.31, p≤0.001); 3-4 (AOR = 7.06, p≤0.001); 5+ (AOR = 8.02, p≤0.001)), men older than women by <10 years (AOR = 1.50, p≤0.026) and women sensitised about family planning at health facility (AOR = 1.73, p≤0.001). However, old age (40-49 years (AOR = 0.49, p≤0.001)), other religions (Protestants, African traditionalists and Muslims) (AOR = 0.77, p≤0.007), ever had pregnancy miscarried, aborted or stillbirth (AOR = 0.78, p≤0.026) and women without knowledge of number of children husband desires (AOR = 0.71, p≤0.001) were negatively associated with contraceptive use.

CONCLUSION

Modern contraceptive use in rural Zambia among currently married women of reproductive age group is relatively low (43%). We recommend that appropriate interventions are instituted to increase contraceptive access and use especially among uneducated older rural Zambian women.

Domestic violence among married women of reproductive age in Zimbabwe: a cross sectional study

BACKGROUND

Domestic violence does not only violate women's fundamental human rights but it also undermines them from achieving their fullest potential around the world. This study was conducted to assess trends and factors associated with domestic violence among married women of reproductive age in Zimbabwe.

METHOD

This was a cross-sectional study which used secondary data obtained from 2005/06, 2010/11 and 2015 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Surveys (ZDHS). Respondents ranged from married or living with a partner (15-49 years). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine factors associated with domestic violence.

RESULTS

Out of 4472 women who were currently married, 1907 (42.7%) had ever experienced one form of domestic violence (physical, emotional and sexual violence). Women aged 40-49 was deemed a protective factor against domestic violence. Risk of domestic violence was higher among working women than unemployed women [AOR = 1.35; p ≤ 0.047]. Women who drink alcohol significantly risk experiencing domestic violence compared to their non-drinking counterpart; also women whose husbands drink alcohol were at higher risk of experiencing domestic violence [AOR = 1.35; p ≤ 0.001]. Domestic violence was higher among women whose husbands have ever experienced their fathers beating their mothers and significant for women whose husbands have more than one wife (polygamy) [AOR = 1.35; p ≤ 0.001]. High parity (5 or more children) was also a risk factor for domestic violence among the studied population [AOR = 1.35; p ≤ 0.038].

CONCLUSION

Domestic violence was found to be strongly associated with women whose husbands drink alcohol, products of abusive parents/father beating their mother and/or polygamous marriage (had more than one wife). Domestic violence still remains a challenge and a more biting policy efforts are needed to eradicate this public health canker in Zimbabwe.

Understanding the endorsement of wife beating in Ghana: evidence of the 2014 Ghana demographic and health survey

Background

Domestic violence (DV) has become a global burden. The high occurrence of intimate partner violence (IPV) across the globe has implications for the socioeconomic wellbeing and health of children and women.

Methods

Data for the study was from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS). The association between approval of wife-beating and background characteristics of women was examined by the use of a Binary Logistic Regression model.

Results

A higher proportion of respondents were from urban areas (53.7 and 52.2% women and men respectively). The ages of women ranged from 15 to 49 (mean = 30, SD = 9.7) whilst the age range of men was 15–59 (mean = 32, SD = 12.5). Twenty-four percent of the men and 23% of the women were within the richest wealth category. The results showed that few women (6.3%) and men (11.8%) had attained higher education. Both women (AOR = 1.3; CI = 1.01–1.24) and men (AOR = 2.2; CI = 1.72–2.76) aged 15–24 had higher odds of approving wife-beating than those aged 35–49 (reference category). Poorest women (AOR = 2.7; CI = 2.14–3.38) and men (AOR = 1.7; CI = 1.11–2.69) alike had higher odds of approving wife-beating, as compared with those in the richest wealth status (reference category). As compared to research participants with higher/tertiary education, both women (AOR = 5.1; CI = 3.52–7.51) and men (AOR = 4.2; CI = 2.37–7.16) without any formal education were found to be at higher odds to approve wife-beating; however, this observation seems to decline as one’s educational status advances.

Conclusion

Age, wealth status, level of education, frequency of listening to radio, frequency of reading newspaper/magazine, frequency of watching television, ethnicity, and religion were found to be significantly associated with Ghanaian men and women’s approval of wife-beating. Policies, interventions, and campaigns must target Ghanaians without formal education and young adults on the need to uphold human rights in order to dissuade them from endorsing intimate partner violence. Mass media has also proven to be a protective factor against domestic violence approval and, as such, much progress can be made if utilised by human rights activists, especially through radio, magazine and television broadcasting.

Determinants of post-disclosure violence among women living with HIV in sero-discordant unions in Kumasi, Ghana: a cross-sectional study

Violence against women is a global challenge with negative health outcomes. Women living with HIV (WLHIV) in sero-discordant unions are at risk of violence after disclosure of their status. This study assesses the risk factors for post-disclosure violence (PDV) against WLHIV in discordant unions in Kumasi, Ghana. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 129 consented WLHIV in discordant relationships in a tertiary facility from May to October 2017. Questionnaire data on socio-demographics and experience of PDV from partners were confidentially obtained. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the independent associations of variables with PDV. PDV was experienced by 19.4% (n = 25) respondents; psychological violence was commonest (80%, n = 20). Women who experienced PDV were more likely to have had a forced first sexual intercourse (43.8% vs 15.9%; aOR 4.1, 95%CI: 1.4-12.4, p = 0.013), be financially independent of their spouses (42.9% vs 12.9%; aOR 0.2, 95%CI: 0.08-0.51, p = 0.001), had partners who interfered with their intake of antiretroviral therapy (50.0% vs 16.5%; aOR 5.1, 95%CI: 1.16-21.99, p = 0.031) or were in a polygamous relationship (63.0% vs 11.8%; aOR 12.8, 95%CI: 4.27-38.32, p < 0.001). The findings from this study indicate an urgent need for the integration of screening for partner violence (especially among WLHIV in discordant unions) and provision of the needed support into national HIV guidelines in Ghana.

Gender Based Violence against Women in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cross-Sectional Studies

This study aimed to systematically review studies that examined the prevalence of gender based violence (GBV) that included intimate partner violence (IPV) and non-IPV among women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This evidence is an important aspect to work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's) target of eliminating all forms of violence in SSA. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Ovid Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane Central, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science were used to source articles with stringent eligibility criteria. Studies on GBV in SSA countries that were published in English from 2008 to 2019 were included. A random effect meta-analysis was used. Fifty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of IPV among women was 44%, the past year-pooled prevalence of IPV was 35.5% and non-IPV pooled prevalence was 14%. The highest prevalence rates of IPV that were reported included emotional (29.40%), physical (25.87%) and sexual (18.75%) violence. The sub-regional analysis found that women residing in Western (30%) and Eastern (25%) African regions experienced higher levels of emotional violence. Integrated mitigation measures to reduce GBV in SSA should focus mainly on IPV in order to achieve the SDG's that will lead to sustainable changes in women's health.

Vocational training and sexual assault against women: challenges for graduation in nursing

Abstract Objectives: To understand the meanings of sexual assault against women in the point of view of students, professors and university managers of undergraduate nursing; and to understand how the contents on this subject are approached in undergraduate courses in Nursing in Higher Education Institutions. Method: A qualitative study, with data collection from March to November 2018, through interviews with ten students, ten teachers and seven managers from two private institutions. Data was treated by the modality of thematic content, with a theoretical-analytical reference of 'gender violence' and 'rape culture'. Results: The topic is approached in a fragmented way in different academic contexts, which leads to the reflection of the topic in the training of nurses, extending to their professional performance. Conclusion and implications for practice: The possibilities of incorporating the subject in the teaching-learning scenarios and practices converge to approach the content about the different types of violence in the undergraduate subjects, with educational actions with the population, potentializing the deconstruction of the culture of female subordination. In addition, the study is aligned with the appropriate time in which the reorientation of the curricular guidelines for the health courses is discussed.