Multilevel Logistic Regression Analysis of Intimate Partner Violence and Its Associated Factors in Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Intimate Partner Violence is a great public health issue globally. A related country level data lacks as existing literatures focus on specific geographic locations. We assessed the prevalence of intimate partner violence against women and associated factors in Ethiopia. Methods: A secondary data analysis was carried out based on the Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey 2016 after getting online permission from Measure Demographic and Health Survey website. We employed both single and multilevel logistic regressions. Findings: Among ever-married women who have been participated in this study, 22.3 %, 7.6% and 6.1% of women have experienced emotional, sexual and physical violence respectively. The overall prevalence of intimate partner violence was found to be 25.6%. There was heterogeneity of intimate partner violence across regions in Ethiopia. Partner's desire for children, number of living children, women ever chewed chat, husband/partner drinks alcohol, respondent's occupation, number of other wives, current marital status, women smoking cigarettes and place of residence were significant determinants of intimate partner violence. Interpretation: About 1 in 4 ever married women in Ethiopia have experienced violence from their intimate partners. The government's effort towards elimination of violence against women should be well strengthened by addressing intimate partner violence disparity among regions in Ethiopia, and also taking in to account predictors of intimate partner violence in this study. Funding Statement: No funding received for this study. Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: The authors declared ethical approval not applicable.