MAGNITUDE AND RISK FACTORS OF INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN AGARO TOWN, SOUTHWEST ETHIOPIA

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Intimate partner violence is the most common forms of violence against women. However, intimate partner violence in Ethiopia is not well studied. The objective of this study was to assess the magnitude, type and risk factors of intimate partner violence against women in Agaro town, Southwest Ethiopia. METHOD: This community based cross sectional study was conducted in the month of February 2007 in Agaro Town. The study population consisted of 510 women of reproductive age group who had intimate partner. Sample size was distributed to the five Kebeles (lowest administrative units). In each Kebeles, household which had the eligible women were selected using systematic sampling technique. In the selected households, trained female enumerators interviewed eligible women by using WHO domestic violence questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate analyses techniques were carried out using SPSS for windows version 12.0.1. RESULTS: Five hundred ten (99%) respondents were interviewed successfully. The lifetime prevalence of intimate partner violence was 264 (51.8%). One hundred sixty six (32%), 171 (33%) and 233 (46%) of women had physical, sexual and emotional abuses in their lifetime, respectively. Majority of the physical 135(80.9%) and emotional 196(80.7%) abuses occurred in the last one year preceding the survey. The common acts of physical violence were slapping 114(68.7%), pushing 103(62.0%) and hitting with fist/stick 44(27%). Forty seven (28%) experienced severe form of physical violence such as hitting with fist, choking and threatening with gun. Use of alcohol by male partner was the predictor of physical and sexual abuse. Sexual and physical violence were more than 2 times likely to occur among women whose partner consumed alcohol more frequently (OR-2.3; 95%: 1.43, 3.54). CONCLUSION- Physical, sexual and emotional abuses were common in the study community. Majority of the violence occurred within one-year period. The community should be educated to prevent intimate partner violence and its risk factors.