Abstract
BackgroundEvidence-based interventions are essential in the prevention of violence against women (VAW). An understanding of risk factors for male perpetration of VAW using population-based research is crucial for developing such interventions. This study is a baseline assessment of a two-arm unmatched cluster randomised controlled trial (C-RCT), set up to assess the impact of a Rural Response System (RRS) intervention for preventing violence against women and girls in Ghana. This study aims at assessing past year prevalence and risk factors for sexual or physical intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration among men.MethodsThe population-based survey involved 2126 men aged 18 and above living in selected communities in 4 districts in the central region of Ghana. Logistic regression techniques were used to determine risk factors for sexual or physical IPV perpetration. All models adjusted for age of respondent and took into account the study design.ResultsHalf of the men had perpetrated at least one form of violence against their intimate partners in their lifetime while 41% had perpetrated sexual or physical IPV. Majority (93%) of the men had been in relationships in the 12 months preceding the survey, and of these, 23% had perpetrated sexual or physical IPV. Childhood factors associated with sexual or physical IPV included witnessing abuse of mother (aOR:1.40(1.06–1.86)), and neglect (aOR:1.81(1.30–2.50)). Other major risk factors for IPV perpetration were: having multiple partners (aOR:1.76(1.36–2.26)), (involvement in transactional sex (aOR:1.76(1.36–2.26)), substance use (aOR:1.74(1.25–2.43)) and gender inequitable attitudes (aOR:0.94(0.91–0.97)).ConclusionChildhood violence experience and witnessing, risky behaviour (multiple partners, transactional sex, substance use) and gender inequitable attitudes are major risk factors for sexual or physical IPV perpetration. Perpetration of sexual or physical IPV tend to co-occur with non-partner violence and emotional IPV perpetration. Interventions targeting these factors are critical in reducing IPV.
Highlights
Intimate partner violence (IPV), which refers to aggressive or coercive behaviours among marital, dating or cohabiting partners, remains a global public health concern due to its adverse health consequences to the victims, which are often women [1]
Majority (93%) of the men had been in relationships in the 12 months preceding the survey, and of these, 23% had perpetrated sexual or physical intimate partner violence (IPV)
The funding was managed by the South African Medical Research Council
Summary
Intimate partner violence (IPV), which refers to aggressive or coercive behaviours among marital, dating or cohabiting partners, remains a global public health concern due to its adverse health consequences to the victims, which are often women [1]. Age of participant‡ Highest Education level none primary Junior Secondary Senior Secondary and above Current Marital Status Married separated/divorced/no relationship Not married but in relationship Household Food insecurity Secure Mildly/Moderately insecure Severely insecure Never employed in past year Childhood Experience Of Violence Witness abuse of mother Experience physical abuse as child Experienced sexual abuse as child Experienced emotional abuse as child Neglected as child Gender attitudes and relation practices Gender attitudes (high = equitable) ‡ Individual gender norms(high = equitable) ‡ Controlling behaviour (high = controlling) ‡ Permissive attitudes towards VAW Sexual Behaviour Multiple sexual partners in past 12 months Transactional sex or sex with sex worker Mental health and substance use Depression score (high = depressed)‡ PTSD Substance use Experienced traumatic events Partner Characteristics¥ Partner education.
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