Prevalence and Determinants of Intimate Partner Violence Among Adult Women in an Urban Community in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria

Introduction: intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global public health problem of human rights concern. It is a global issue, regardless of social, economic, religious or cultural group. Ever experienced IPV is a risk factor for many acute and chronic diseases and or stress-related conditions among women. This study determined the prevalence and predictors of lifetime IPV among women in an urban community in Lagos, Nigeria.

Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 respondents from April to September 2019. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information from respondents. Data analysis was done using SPSS Version 22. Descriptive analyses were performed. Associations were explored with Chi-square test; multivariate analysis was done with logistic regression at p≤5% level of significance (95% CI).

Results: a total of 400 adult women aged 18-73 years who have been in an intimate relationship for at least 1 year participated in this study. The mean ± SD age of the respondents was 36.72 ± 11.74 years. Lifetime prevalence of IPV was 73.3%. The significant predictors for IPV were; being employed (OR=0.461; 95% CI=0.230-0.924); witnessed parental violence (OR=1.909; 95% CI=1.023-3.563); partner consuming alcohol (OR=1.669; 95% CI=0.999-2.788) and partner having other sexual partners (OR=2.104; 95% CI=1.174-3.771).

Conclusion: community-based interventions by government and other stakeholders are needed to empower women, reduce exposure of children to IPV at home and provide enlightenment education on IPV in communities.