Using confirmatory factor analysis to explore associated factors of intimate partner violence in a sample of Chinese rural women: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) among a sample of rural Chinese women and to explore associated factors.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingRural areas of Guangyuan City, Sichuan, China.ParticipantsWe recruited 1501 women, aged 16 years and older, who had been living locally for at least 2 years and reported being married or in a relationship during the past 12 months. They were among a sample of 1898 potential participants from our larger parent study on the prevalence of depressive-distress symptoms.MethodsParticipants completed demographic and social economic measures, the Short Form of the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale and the Duke Social Support Index. We applied χ2 test, analysis of variance and confirmatory factor analysis for analysis.ResultsThe overall prevalence of IPV in the past 12 months was 29.05%; the prevalence of physical, psychological and sexual violence was 7.66%, 26.58% and 3.20%, respectively. The overall prevalence was highest among women aged 16–29 years, and was more common among those without a high school diploma and who saw their family’s financial status as very poor or stagnant. Women who were not victims of IPV had higher levels of social support. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the total effects of social support on physical, psychological and sexual violence were −0.12, –0.35 and −0.12, respectively. The indirect effects of objective economic status on physical, psychological and sexual violence were −0.047, –0.014 and −0.047, respectively, but the total effect was not significant. The indirect effect of education on psychological violence was −0.056.ConclusionIPV is common in rural Guangyuan. Our data are comparable with the findings from north-west of China. Social support is an important protective factor. Future work is needed to develop, test and later disseminate potential IPV interventions, with a focus on building actual and perceived supportive social networks.

Characteristics of Intimate Partner Violence in China: Gender Symmetry, Mutuality, and Associated Factors

“…In addition to age and gender, we further examined other characteristics of respondents that are associated with the perpetration and victimization of violence, and also involvement in mutual violence. Socioeconomic characteristics such as a lower educational level, unemployment, receiving social security payments, and a lower income level had significant effects on IPV experiences, as suggested by existing findings (Hou et al, 2018; L. L. Wang et al, 2016; Xiao & Feng, 2014).…”

“…Recent studies found that the prevalence rate of preceding-year IPV against women ranged from 7.7% to 55% among different population groups in China (L. Chen, Yu, Luo, & Huang, 2016; Fulu, Jewkes, Roselli, & Garcia-Moreno, 2013; Hou, Cerulli, Wittink, Caine, & Qiu, 2018; T. Wang et al, 2017; Zhou & Chen, 2015).…”

“…However, in China, age appears to have an inconsistent effect on IPV (X. Chen & Xia, 2016; Hou et al, 2018; Xiao & Feng, 2014; Zhou & Chen, 2015). In addition, there is a lack of prevalence-rate data on IPV by age groups.…”

“…Other demographic factors can also be related to the prevalence of IPV among Chinese couples, such as education level, income level, employment status, and place of residence (Hou et al, 2018). Based on data collected from Chinese women in Hong Kong, at a personal and relationship level, attitudes toward violence, including dominance and violence approval, can increase the risk of IPV (Chan, 2012b).…”

The impact of intimate partner violence on the trajectory of perinatal depression: a cohort study in a Chinese sample

“…According to the Buffer Theory, social support plays a protective role in everyday life that buffers the stress or impact of adverse events (Cassel, 1976; Cochrane and Stopes-Roe, 1981; Schaefer et al ., 1981). Our previous studies reported the perceived/subjective social support played a more important role in preventing depression over other dimensions of social support; and, overall, social support protected Chinese women from IPV, which could indirectly protect women from PND (Hou et al ., 2015, 2018).…”