Abstract:
Background: Intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) is a behavior within an
intimate relationship that causes physical, sexual or psychological harm to the victim. It is well
recognized as a gross violation of human rights and affects the health of women, families and
community at large. HIV infected women face increased risk of IPV than uninfected women.
However, the level to which they experienced violence and its associated factor has not been
well investigated in the local context.
Objective: To determine prevalence and associated factors of IPV among ART users women
visiting chronic care unit Adama town public health facility
Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1- April 1, 2019
among 396 ART users‟ women visiting chronic care unit of Adama town public health facility.
Validated WHO tools were used to measure IPV and systematic random sampling technique was
used to select individuals. The collected data were entered, using Epi data 4.4.1 and analyzed
using SPSS version 24. Descriptive statistics were used to compute summary statistics and
proportion. Variables at a cut off value (0.25) on bivariate and (0.05) on multivariable logisticregression were used to identify predictors of IPV.
Result: A total of 396 women participated in the study, providing a response rate of 100%. The
prevalence of current IPV 32.3% and lifetime IPV was 45.5%. Having history of exposure to
first coerced sexual intercourse [AOR =3.0 (1.73, 5.44)], male multi-partnership [AOR = 2.2
(1.21, 4.06)], women who justified husband wife beating is normal when she refused to have sex
with her husband [AOR = 2.3 (1.29, 4.12)], using contraceptive [AOR = 3.33 (1.67, 6.62)] and
women whose partner were farmer [AOR = 3.9 (1.43, 10.79)] were found to be significant factors
for IPV among ART user‟s women
Conclusion: One in three women reported at least two or more forms of violence from their
partner. Individual level factor (exposure to first coerced sex, partner‟s occupation, contraceptive
use and women‟s acceptance of violence) were identified as a determinant. In addition
relationship factor, male multi-partnership was identified as a predisposing factor. In view of this
addressing risky behavior practiced among male partner and challenging women attitude toward
violence was crucial in reducing violence among this population
