Towards a Global Interdisciplinary Evidence-Informed Practice: Intimate Partner Violence in the Ethiopian Context

Sepali Guruge,Fekadu Aga,Khosro Refaie-Shirpak,Ilene Hyman,Andargachew Kassa,Damen Hailemariam,Amy Bender,Melesse Tamiru

doi:10.5402/2012/307271

Abstract

Background. Intimate partner violence is a global health issue and is associated with a range of health problems for women. Nurses, as the largest health workforce globally, are well positioned to provide care for abused women. Objectives. This nursing-led interdisciplinary project was conducted to understand the current state of knowledge about intimate partner violence in Ethiopia and make recommendations for country-specific activities to improve response to intimate partner violence through practice changes, education, and research. Methods. The project involved two phases: review of relevant literature and an interdisciplinary stakeholder forum and a meeting with nurse educators. Findings. The literature review identified the pervasiveness and complexity of intimate partner violence and its sociocultural determinants in the Ethiopian context. Two significant themes emerged from the forum and the meeting: the value of bringing multiple disciplines together to address the complex issue of intimate partner violence and the need for health care professionals to better understand their roles and responsibilities in actively addressing intimate partner violence. Conclusions. Further research on the topic is needed, including studies of prevention and resilience and “best practices” for education and intervention. Interdisciplinary and international research networks can support local efforts to address and prevent intimate partner violence.

Highlights

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is defined as the threat of, and/or actual, physical, sexual, psychological, or verbal abuse by a current or former spouse or nonmarital partner [1]
This paper presents the findings from a nurse-led, international, interdisciplinary project aimed at understanding the current situation of IPV in Ethiopia and developing recommendations for country-specific activities to address IPV
The literature noted that IPV frequently occurs in the context of marriage or cohabitation, predomestic relationships such as dating relationships, and postdomestic relationships, as in the case of ex-partners who are no longer living together [23]

Summary

Introduction

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is defined as the threat of, and/or actual, physical, sexual, psychological, or verbal abuse by a current or former spouse or nonmarital partner [1]. IPV is considered to be a global public health problem, few health sciences studies have focused on it in low-income countries. This nursing-led interdisciplinary project was conducted to understand the current state of knowledge about intimate partner violence in Ethiopia and make recommendations for country-specific activities to improve response to intimate partner violence through practice changes, education, and research. Since 1975, Ethiopia has experienced wars that have caused approximately 1 in 25 of its citizens to flee to neighbouring countries and elsewhere It is considered one of the lowest-income countries in the world, with 65% of the population living below the absolute poverty line. This is reflected in the average life expectancy of 53.42 years for men and 55.42 years for women [9]

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Conclusion