Socio-demographic factors associated with intimate partner violence in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract

A cross sectional descriptive study was done of 373 women who attended the antenatal clinic and welfare units of a primary health center in Ile-Ife. The objective of this study was to determine, among a sample of women attending a primary health center in Ile-Ife, the socio-demographic factors associated with intimate partner violence. Respondents were aged 18-37 years; the majority of them (73.8%) were aged 21-30 years (mean age was 24.9 ± 4.09). Three quarters (73.5%) were married in a monogamous setting and well over half (60.1%) were employed. The prevalence of intimate partner violence in the previous twelve months was 36.7%. Significant socio-demographic correlates of intimate partner violence were the age of the respondents (younger), marital status (single and separated), marriage type (polygamous), employment (being employed), level of education (secondary school education) and having children. Also, Respondent's and partner's use of alcohol were significantly associated with intimate partner violence.