Spatial Distribution and Predictors of Domestic Violence Among Women Aged 15-49 in Ethiopia: Analysis of EDHS 2016 Dataset.

Abstract

Introduction: Violence against women particularly that is commited by an intimate partner is becoming a social and public health problem across the world. Studies from different countries shows that the spatial variation in distribution of domestic violence was commonly attributed by neighborhood level predictors. Despite the importance of spatial techniques, studies that employ it in Ethiopia are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the spatial distribution and predictors of domestic violence among women aged 15-49 in Ethiopia by using EDHS 2016 dataset. Methods: Secondary data from EDHS 2016 was used to determine the spatial distribution of domestic violence in Ethiopia. Spatial auto-correlation statistics (both Global and Local Moran’s I) was used to assess the spatial distribution of domestic violence cases in Ethiopia. Spatial locations of significant clusters were identified by using Kuldorff’s Sat Scan version 9.4 software. Finally, binary logistic regression and generalized linear mixed model were fitted to identify predictors of domestic violence. Result: The study found that spatial clustering of domestic violence cases in Ethiopia with Moran’s I value of 0.26, Z score of 8.26, and P-value < 0.01. The Sat Scan analysis find out 24 significant locations of domestic violence clusters. Among this, 10 are primary clusters with RR 2.18, LLR of 39.55, and P-value < 0.01. The output from regression analysis identifies low economic status, husband/partner alcohol use, witnessing family violence as a child, marital controlling behaviors, and community acceptance of wife-beating as significant predictors of domestic violence.Conclusion and Recommendation: There is spatial clustering of d domestic violence cases in Ethiopia. Areas with a high burden of the problem should get priority for intervention. Comprehensive and collaborative action should be taken by involving stakeholders at different levels. Specific activities may include Organizing media on awareness creation and continuous education on how to maintain a stable relationship between couples and employing long term and intensive effort for transforming culture and social norms that encourage violence against woman are among the major ones.

Spatial distribution and predictors of lifetime experience of intimate partner violence among women in South Africa

“…This finding showed that there is spatial variation in the distribution of IPV within South Africa. This is in line with existing evidence from Ghana [18], Uganda [19] and Ethiopia [5]. A plausible justification in support of our findings could be the pervasiveness of misconceptions about IPV and prevailing cultural beliefs that reinforce acts that fall under the category of IPV [33].…”

“…Evidence from the 2017 Statistics South Africa report shows that approximately one out of five adult women in South Africa had ever experienced violence by a partner [4]. Also, evidence from the 2016 South African Demographic and Health Survey (SADHS) indicates that the prevalence of IPV among women was 21.9% which is lower than the regional IPV prevalence [5]. This variation between the IPV prevalence as reported in the 2016 SADHS and the Southern Africa's IPV prevalence could be attributable to spatial variations.…”

“…The imperativeness to find lasting solutions to IPV is emphasised by its associated adverse effects [6]. IPV has been found to have adverse effects on the physical health of women (e.g., injuries) [5]. It is also associated with many mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation and attempt, and posttraumatic stress disorders [7,8].…”

“…Previous studies conducted in South Africa indicate that IPV is associated with several factors such as age [13], multiple sexual partnerships [14], childhood experience of abuse [15], as well as engagement in transactional sex and health inequalities [14,16]. Beyond these associated factors, evidence from recent studies conducted in Ethiopia [5,17], Ghana [18], Uganda [19], Nigeria [6] and Afghanistan [8] suggest that there are spatial variations in the distribution of IPV across the respective countries that have been minimally explored in extant literature.…”

Intimate partner violence and its associated factors among reproductive-age women in East Africa:-A generalized mixed effect robust poisson regression model

“…In addition, The impact of violence on women's health extends to their physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive well-being, and in certain contexts, it can heighten the risk of HIV transmission [2]. Also, IPV is linked to various mental health concerns, encompassing anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, as well as posttraumatic stress disorders [6].…”