The Association between Male Circumcision and Physical Intimate Partner/Spouse Violence in Kenya

Abstract

Intimate partner violence against women is a global public health problem with many short-term and long-term effects on the physical and mental health of women and their children. Intimate partner/spouse violence is predominantly perpetrated by men against women victims. Sustainable Development Goal 5.2 aims to eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls. This study sought to determine the association between of male circumcision and physical intimate partner/spouse violence in Kenya. Data from the nationwide and representative Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, conducted in 2014, were further analyzed. The Demographic and Health Survey utilizes a two stage stratified sampling technique. This study found that Male circumcision is very popular in Kenya (92.4%, n=12819). This study establishes that physical intimate partner/ spouse violence is rife in Kenya (34.5%, n=3265). A Pearson Chi Square test of independence found that there was a significant association between male circumcision status and physical intimate partner/spouse violence (x2(1) =44.51a, p<0.000). Binary Logistic regression predicted that the males who were uncircumcised had over two-fold higher odds of executing physical intimate partner/spouse violence compared to those were circumcised (OR 2.44, CI 1.86-3.19). This study concludes that male circumcision is beneficial in the long-term and adds to the holistic value of men beyond the physical removal of prepuce for health reasons. This study recommends male circumcision especially with a period of seclusion. This study recommends that programs should focus on initiatives or interventions that encourage male circumcision accompanied by structured learning programs during the period of initiates’ seclusion. Keywords: Male Circumcision, Intimate Partner/Spouse Violence, Social Cognitive Theory