Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Intimate partner violence is the most common forms of violence
against women. However, intimate partner violence in Ethiopia is not well studied. The
objective of this study was to assess the magnitude, type and risk factors of intimate
partner violence against women in Agaro town, Southwest Ethiopia.
METHOD: This community based cross sectional study was conducted in the month of
February 2007 in Agaro town. The study population consisted of 510 women of
reproductive age group who had intimate partner. Sample size was distributed to the five
Kebeles (lowest administrative units). In each Kebeles, household which had the eligible
women were selected using systematic sampling techniques. In the selected households,
trained female enumerators interviewed eligible women by using WHO domestic
violence questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate analyses techniques were carried
out using SPSS for windows version 12.0.1.
RESULTS: Five hundred ten (99%) subjects were interviewed successfully. The lifetime
prevalence of intimate partner violence was 264 (51.8%). One hundred sixty six (32%),
171 (33%) and 233 (46%) of women had physical, sexual and emotional abuses in their
lifetime, respectively. Majority of the physical 135(80.9%) and emotional 196(80.7%)
abuses occurred in the last one year preceding the survey. The common acts of physical
violence were slapping 114(68.7%), pushing 103(62.0%) and hitting with fist/stick
44(27%). Forty seven (28%) experienced severe form of physical violence such as hitting
with fist, choking and threatening with gun. Use of alcohol by male partner was the
predictor of physical and sexual abuse. Sexual and physical violence were more than 2
times likely to occur among women whose partner consumed alcohol more frequently
(OR=2.3; 95%: 1.43, 3.54).
CONCLUSION- Physical, sexual and emotional abuses were common in the study
community. Majority of the violence occurred within one-year period. The community
should be educated to prevent intimate partner violence and its risk factors.
