Factors associated with intimate partner violence among ever-partnered women in two Southern African countries: a multilevel analysis.

Abstract

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive global health issue with severe physical, emotional, and social consequences for women. In Southern Africa, where IPV rates are high, understanding the factors contributing to IPV is crucial for developing effective interventions. This study examines the factors associated with IPV among ever-partnered women in Malawi and South Africa, two countries with differing socioeconomic contexts but similarly high IPV prevalence.

Method: Data from the 2016 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) was used, including 7,760 ever-partnered women aged 15-49 from Malawi and South Africa. IPV was defined as lifetime physical, sexual, or emotional violence by a current or former partner and measured as a binary variable (yes/no). The independent variables included age, education, employment, place of residence, wealth status, partner alcohol use, autonomy, inequitable gender attitudes, and IPV history. A generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) was applied to identify IPV-related factors.

Results: Findings revealed that women from Malawi were more likely to experience IPV than women from South Africa (aOR = 2.36, 95% CI = 1.97-2.83; p < 0.001). Women aged 25-29 years (aOR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.03-1.42; p = 0.018) and 30-34 years (aOR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.11-1.52; p = 0.001) were more likely to experience IPV than those aged 15-24 years. Women with higher education were less likely to experience IPV (aOR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.44-0.88; p = 0.007). Employed women were more likely to experience IPV (aOR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.01-1.26; p = 0.037). Women from the rich household wealth index (aOR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.70-0.93; p = 0.003) were less likely to experience IPV than those in the poor wealth index. Women whose partners consumed alcohol (aOR = 2.98, 95% CI = 2.66-3.33; p < 0.001), with greater autonomy (aOR = 1.82 95% CI = 1.56-2.12; p < 0.001), inequitable gender attitudes (aOR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.56-2.12; p < 0.001), and IPV history (aOR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.72-2.18; p < 0.001) were more at increased risk of IPV.

Conclusion: This study identifies key factors for designing targeted interventions to prevent IPV and improve women's well-being in Southern Africa.