Exposure to Intimate Partner Violence and Hypertension Outcomes among Young Women in South Africa.

Nicole De Wet-Billings,Motlatso Godongwana

doi:10.1155/2021/5519356

Nicole De Wet-Billings, Motlatso Godongwana

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5519356

Copy DOI

Abstract

Hypertension and intimate partner violence is affecting longevity and quality of life among women worldwide. In this study, intimate partner violence is identified as a risk factor for hypertension outcomes among young women in South Africa. Using a nationally representative sample of 216 (N) young women (15–34 years old) from the South African Demographic and Health Survey, this study uses cross-tabulations and logistic regression methods to identify the odds of hypertension outcomes. Results show that between 20 and 41% of 15–34-year-old women have hypertension. Further, 68% of women with hypertension experienced physical intimate partner violence. Finally, the odds of hypertension are increased if young women experience physical (OR: 4.07; CI: 1.04726–15.82438) or sexual (OR: 2.56; CI: 1.18198–5.55834) intimate partner violence. Efforts to reduce hypertension outcomes in the country should include intimate partner violence awareness and assistance.

Highlights

Intimate partner violence is a global pandemic affecting the lives of thousands of women
In terms of the demographic characteristics (Table 1), the levels of hypertension diagnosis were higher among coloured South Africans (46.4%), females that resided on rural areas (37.9%), and females who reported to have at least one child (40.3%)
While efforts, such as the South African Hypertension Society which supports the dissemination of information and blood pressure testing throughout the country, are in place, intimate partner violence may affect women’s ability to access care and treatment. is study was done to identify the relationship between intimate partner violence and hypertension outcomes among young women in South Africa

Summary

Introduction

Intimate partner violence is a global pandemic affecting the lives of thousands of women. Intimate partner and genderbased violence in South Africa is currently higher than it is has ever been [1, 2]. E most severe consequence of intimate partner violence is death. 30,000 women were intentionally killed by their intimate partners in 2018, a marked increase from the estimates 12,000 in 2012 [3]. In South Africa, 57.1% of female homicide deaths are by an intimate partner [4]. It has been reported that femicide is five times higher in South Africa than the global average [2]. As many as 51% of South African women have experienced violence at the hands of an intimate partner in their lifetimes [2]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion