Factors influencing help-seeking behaviour among young women with experience of intimate partner violence in Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Help-seeking has been identified as one of the most potent ways of stopping gender-based violence. However, studies have shown that poor help-seeking behaviour persists among women with experience with intimate partner violence (IPV) in Nigeria. This study examines the factors influencing help-seeking behaviour among young women with IPV experience in Nigeria. Young women within the age bracket of 15-29 years were considered because they are disproportionately affected by IPV.

Methodology: This study utilised the 2018 Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) data. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression.

Results: The results revealed that religion [χ² = 11.700, p < 0.05], place of residence [χ² = 8.710, p < 0.05], level of education [χ² = 14.659, p < 0.05], and ethnicity [χ² = 40.135, p < 0.05] significantly influence the help-seeking behaviour of young women with experience with IPV. Participants from the South-South region of Nigeria were 49% less likely to seek help (OR 0.49, CI 0.28-0.84, p < 0.05) compared to those from the South-West region. Additionally, participants with formal education were 35% less likely to seek help (OR 0.35, CI 0.15-0.84, p < 0.05) than those without formal education.

Conclusion: The study recommends implementing culturally sensitive and region-specific interventions to address barriers that hinder uneducated women from seeking help. These findings also suggest that policies and programs should consider sociocultural factors such as region, ethnicity, and educational level.