THE PHYSICAL HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN AGARO TOWN, SOUTHWEST ETHIOPIA

Abstract

BACKGROUND: - The physical health consequences of intimate partner violence are many and diverse. Population based studies on the problem are rare in Ethiopia. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the physical health consequences of intimate partner violence against women and the coping mechanisms in Agaro town, Southwest Ethiopia.

METHODS: - This community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 510 ever-partnered women in Agaro town from February 2 to 29, 2007. Eligible women were interviewed by trained 12^th grade completed female enumerators using Amharic version of the structured WHO domestic violence questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate analysis techniques were carried out using SPSS for windows version 12.0.1.

RESULTS: - The prevalence of physical injury among victims of intimate partner violence was 65(37.3%). The most common types of physical injuries were abrasion/bruises 43(66%), puncture/cuts 29(45%) and dislocation 12(18.5%). Among women who sustained injury, a quarter of them had severe form of injury such as eye/ear injury, broken teeth, fracture and burn. All types of intimate partner violence (physical, sexual and emotional/psychological abuses) were significantly associated with poor perceived general health status of women. Seventy-five percent of women fought back their partner during the violence. Twenty-seven (42%) of the women sought help from different places. The common sources of help were elderly people 19(63%), hospital/health center 13(43%), police 8(27%), and women's affairs 8(27%). From those who went to health facilities, 8(61%) did not tell the real causes of the injury to the health professionals. More than half of the victims were not satisfied with the responses of the different sectors.

CONCLUSION: Prevalence of physical injury was very high. Intimate partner violence was associated with poor general health status. The health seeking behaviors of victims were poor. Multi-sectoral approach is recommended to educate the community to prevent intimate partner violence and injuries.