346Experience of intimate partner violence among Nigerian women: evidence from 2018 NDHS

Abstract

Abstract Background Women’s perception, decision-making power and childhood experiences are factors associated with their experience of intimate partner violence (IPV). This study assessed the IPV experiences of Nigerian women of reproductive age across the geo-political zones and the factors associated with their experience of IPV. Methods Using the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), complex sample analysis of a subset of 8,163 women of reproductive age who were currently in union was done using SPSS version 23. Respondents and partners demographic profile, their childhood experience and perception of IPV was fitted into the multivariate regression model. Result Mean age of the respondents was 31.3 ± 8.2 years. Childhood experience of domestic violence and poor perception of IPV was reported by 9.9% and 28.9% respectively. Over a third (35.5%) had experienced one form of IPV. The odds of experiencing IPV was 1.4 times and 3.3 times higher among those with poor perception of IPV [OR = 1.38; 95% CI = 1.184-1.597] and had childhood experience of domestic violence [OR = 3.29; 95% CI = 2.706-3.990] respectively. Conclusion About a third of women of reproductive age group in Nigeria experiences IPV. Childhood experience of IPV and poor perception of IPV were significant predictors of IPV experience. Key message Childhood experience of domestic violence may influence individuals’ perception of IPV which may be accepted as a norm as they grow. Interventions at reducing IPV should start from childhood to change the perception of IPV as being acceptable.