Intimate partner violence among women of reproductive age during COVID-19 pandemic in Bungoma County, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Intimate partner violence includes all forms of aggression by former or current intimate partner. It accounts to 1.3 million deaths annually. Women of reproductive age, 18% globally have experienced physical and sexual forms of IPV. IPV cases ranges from 55% and 46% respectively in Africa and South Asia.COVID-19 has seen increase of IPV by 5% among WRA. IPV among WRA increases incidence of suicide, abortion and depression. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Stratified 2 stage random sampling and simple random sampling techniques were used. Sample size was 229 WRA. Primary data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire, KIIS and FGDS. Data analysis was carried out through both descriptive statistics and inferential analysis findings were presented in percentages and pie charts. Results: Age category of 26 -33 years, participants who are casual workers, alcohol consumption by partner, length of relationship, level of education and culture were significantly associated with physical, psychological, sexual and economic violence.66.80%of the participants did not know about the policies on IPV and the available community level services to combat IPV was majorly reconciliation of couples by the local chiefs. Conclusions: The health system factors that facilitates support of IPV was not in line with SDGs Goal 5: Gender equality and SDGs Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions. A large number of respondents (79.5%) reported unavailability of health facilities linked to social, health and legal services to support victims of IPV.