Patterns and Determinants of Physical Violence Against Women in Malawi

Abstract

Background Physical assault remains a major contributing factor to the burden of trauma globally. The burden is mainly shouldered by countries in the lower and middle-income economies compared to high-income countries. Aim The study aimed to ascertain the pattern of physical attack (PA) and its associated factors among Malawian women. Method The study employed secondary data from a multiple indicator cluster survey conducted by UNICEF and the National Statistical Office, Malawi, which is publicly available. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 27, and R version 4.3.3 was used to create graphs and tables. The Chi-square test was used in bivariate analysis, and the independent t-test was used to assess mean differences between variables. The binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the effect of independent variables on the likelihood of the dependent variable. A p-value p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The study found that about 4.5% of women in Malawi have been physically attacked. According to bivariate analysis, PA was associated with marital status (p < 0.001), region (p < 0.001), school attendance (p = 0.002), use of contraceptives (p = 0.021), and use of the internet (p < 0.001). The logistic regression model was statistically significantχ2(8) = 393.272.402, p < .0001. The model explained 5% (Nagelkerke R2) of the variance in physical attack. The model correctly identifies 95.5% of the cases. Used internet (p = 0.02), region (p < 0.001), ever-drunk alcohol (p < 0.001), marital status (p = 0.007), and functional difficulties (p < 0.001) were significant predictors of physical attack in the model Conclusion The physical attack has a widespread disparity influenced by marital status and the ever-drunk alcohol region, highlighting geographical, cultural, and socioeconomic differences and calling for a multisectoral approach to curb violence against women of reproductive age in Malawi.