Prevalence and pattern of intimate partner violence among men and women in Edo State, Southern Nigeria

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a growing concern in Nigeria and globally. Although women are at greater risk of IPV, men are also affected, but this is less reported. Aim: This study sought to determine the prevalence and pattern of IPV among the respondents and to compare the pattern of IPV among the male and female respondents. Setting: The study was conducted in six towns (local government headquarters) across the three senatorial districts in Edo State, Southern Nigeria. Methods: The study was a descriptive, cross-sectional, community-based study. A multistage sampling technique was used in selecting 1227 respondents from Edo State, Southern Nigeria. A semistructured, interviewer-administered questionnaire and the Extended Hurt, Insult, Threaten, Scream (E-HITS) tool were used to collect data, which were analysed with Epi Info version 7.1.2.0. Results: The study found an IPV prevalence of 37.7% among the respondents (confidence interval [CI]: 95%, odds ratio [OR]: 0.169­0.294). The mean age was 38 ± 12 and respondents were mostly female (725, 59.1%), married (770, 62.8%) and unemployed (406, S33.1%), with a tertiary level of education (766, 62.4%). Intimate partner violence was significantly higher among women compared with men (95% CI: 4.474, OR: 3.425­5.846). The pattern of IPV showed a lower OR between sexual and physical IPV (95% CI: 0.276, OR: 0.157­0.485). There was a higher likelihood of IPV among married women (95% CI: 1.737, OR: 1.279­2.358). Conclusion: There is a need to improve the socio-economic status of the Nigerian populace, especially women. Healthy, nonviolent and safe relationships should be promoted in communities by signalling what is socially unacceptable and strengthening sanctions against perpetrators.

Attitudes toward violence against women and the factors that affect them in Kutahya, Turkey

This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to determine the attitudes of women and men living in Kutahya, Turkey towards violence against women, and the factors that affect them. The data were collected using an Information Form for Women, an Information Form for Men, and the Attitude towards Violence Scale. The study was completed with 2959 participants; 1481 women and 1478 men. In the study, 41.3% of the women and 22.6% of the men reported being subject to violence. The mean score of the attitude towards violence scale was 41.57±11.83 for women and 49.38±11.52 for men (p<0.001). The mean scores on the attitude towards violence scale were found to be statistically significantly related to gender, education status, occupation, income status, co-educational status, co-occupation, marital age, family type, and subjection to violence (p<0.05). Socio-demographic and socio-cultural factors were found to influence the attitudes of women and men towards violence against women. The attitudes towards violence against women were found to be more positive in women. The rate of accepting violence as natural (acceptable) phenomena was found to be higher among men. That is, the attitudes of men towards violence against women are closer to the traditional approach, away from the modern approach

Traumatismes ORL et violences conjugales

Les traumatismes de la sphère ORL peuvent être rencontrés au cours des violences conjugales. Ce sont des agressions fréquentes survenant le plus souvent chez la femme, dans les foyers conjugaux. Le but de cette étude, était d'identifier les lésions Otorhinolaryngologiques survenant au cours de ces violencess.Matériel et méthodes :Il s'est agi d'une étude multicentrique, rétrospective et transversale réalisée entre le 1 er Novembre 2007et le 30 octobre 2015 soit 8 ans, dans les services d'ORL du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire(CHU) de Brazzaville, de l'hôpital Adolphe Sice de pointe noire et l'hôpital de Loandjili. Nous avons colligés 48 dossiers de patients victimes de ces traumatismes. Les données ont été recueillies sur les dossiers d'observations médicales, les registres d'hospitalisation, et sur les registres de protocoles opératoires.Résultats :Durant la période d'étude, nous avons enregistré 3000 consultations dans les services, avec 500 cas de traumatismes. Parmi ces traumatismes, nous avons noté 48 agressions dans un contexte de rixe conjugale.L'âge moyen était de 35 ans avec des extrêmes de 18 à 51 ans. Le mode d'agression par gifles a été retrouvé dans 50%(n=24). L'organe le plus atteint était l'oreille dans 50%(n=24). La perforation tympanique et l'hémotympan était les lésions les plus retrouvées dans respectivement 25% des cas (n=12) et 17% des cas (n=8)Le statut de fumeur et d'alcoolique était retrouvé chez le conjoint dans 42% des cas (n=20), tandis que dans 13% des cas (n=6), le statut était normal. Les conséquences de ces traumatismes ont été esthétiques dans 13% des cas (n=6) notamment des amputations de l'auricule, une surdité par perforation dans 4 cas (soit 8%) et des séquelles psychosociales dans 6 cas (13%).Conclusion :Le couple traumatisme ORL et violence conjugale est un véritable phénomène de société. La gifle est le mode d'agression le plus retrouvé, l'oreille est l'organe le plus atteint et les conséquences physiques et psychoaffectives sont importantes

Association between Intimate Partner Violence and Utilisation of Maternal Health Services in Nigeria

This study examines the relationship between intimate partner violence and utilisation of maternal healthcare services. Data was extracted from the 2008 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. Data were analysed using the STATA. Results show that: 15.6 of the women have ever of the women have ever experienced at least one type of sexual violence; and 22.4experienced at least one type of physical violence; 4.1 of the women have ever experienced at least one type of emotional violence. The logistic regression show that women who have ever experienced emotional violence were: 24.2 less likely to utilise skilled antenatal care (OR=0.7578;p0.001); 36.0 less likely to have facility delivery (OR

Factors associated with unmet need for modern contraception in post-conflict Liberia

We examined the association between intimate partner violence and unmet need for modern contraception in post-conflict Liberia. This is a secondary analysis of data collected using the Priorities for Local AIDS Control Efforts (PLACE) method. Data from 499 sexually experienced young women (aged 14-25) in Montserrado County, Liberia were examined. Intimate partner violence (55.7%), unintended pregnancy (83.2%), and abortion (45.3%) were pervasive in the study population. An estimated 35.9% of respondents had an unmet need for modern contraception. However, multivariate logistic regression results did not reveal an association between intimate partner violence and unmet need (OR 1.11; 95% CI 0.70-1.75). Among covariates examined, only contraceptive use at sexual debut (26.1%) was significantly associated with unmet need (OR 0.27; 95% CI 0.14-0.52). Liberian youth need information about and access to modern contraceptive methods besides condoms. Interventions to identify and treat victims of violence are also needed. Afr J Reprod Health 2014; 18[2]: 58-67)

Screening and Brief Intervention for Intimate Partner Violence Among Antenatal Care Attendees at Primary Healthcare Clinics in Mpumalanga Province; South Africa

Background. It has been found that pregnant women experience a higher rate of intimate partner violence (IPV) than women who are not pregnant. This paper presents findings of a brief IPV intervention provided to pregnant women attending prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV services. Methods. Eighteen community workers were recruited and trained in assessment of and intervention for abuse during pregnancy. These were implemented for 10 months at 16 primary healthcare facilities in the Thembisile sub-district; Nkangala district; Mpumalanga Province; South Africa. Results. A total of 2 230 pregnant women were screened for abuse; 7.2 (160) screened positive and received a brief intervention. This was a 20-minute session on safety behaviours and strategies for dealing with the abuse; including referral to local support services. Eighty-four women attended a follow-up interview 3 months after the intervention. The mean danger assessment score of 6.0 before intervention fell significantly to 2.8 after 3 months. Conclusion. The brief intervention provided to these women contributed to a significant reduction in the level of IPV

Violences conjugales a Antananarivo (Madagascar): un enjeu de sante publique

Introduction: La violence conjugale a ete etudiee dans beaucoup de pays developpes mais peu en Afrique subsaharienne. Madagascar est unpays ou ce phenomene est peu documente. Methodes: En 2007; une enquete sur la violence conjugale a Antananarivo (ELVICA) a ete menee surla violence conjugale envers les femmes dans la capitale malgache. ELVICA a interroge 400 femmes en union; de 15 a 59 ans. Des informationssur les caracteristiques demographiques; socioeconomiques des couples ont ete collectees ainsi que sur les actes de violences physiques deshommes sur leurs epouses. L'objectif de cet article est d'identifier les facteurs de risques de la violence conjugale grave; celle qui a desconsequences sur la sante physique des femmes. Resultats: Trente-cinq pour cent des femmes qui ont declare avoir subi au moins une forme deviolence physique au cours des 12 mois precedent l'enquete. Presque la moitie (46) des femmes violentees ont declare avoir deja eu deshematomes; et environ un quart (23) des plaies avec saignement. Vingt-deux pour cent ont deja du consulter un medecin. Parmi les nombreusesvariables socioeconomiques et demogra-phiques testees; quelques-unes sont associees positivement au risque de violence conjugale grave: le faitpour une femme d'etre en union consensuelle et d'avoir une activite professionnelle. Il y aussi un lien entre la violence subie et l'autonomie des femmes (liberte accordee par le mari de travailler; de circuler; de voir sa famille). Conclusion: A Madagascar; comme ailleurs; la lutte contre les violences conjugales est un element majeur de l'amelioration du statut et de la sante des femmes

Acceptance of screening for Intimate Partner Violence, actual screening and satisfaction with care amongst female clients visiting a health facility in Kano, Nigeria

Background: Healthcare providers have advocated for the screening and management of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) against women and its consequences. Unfortunately, data from high income countries suggest that women may have varied preferences for being screened for IPV in healthcare. Although women's preference for screening in sub-Saharan countries has not been well researched, IPV remains an accepted societal norm in many of these countries, including Nigeria. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess women's acceptance of screening for IPV in healthcare, the extent to which inquiry about IPV was carried out in healthcare and whether such inquiry impacted on satisfaction with care. Method: Data on these variables were gathered through structured interviews from a sample of 507 women at a regional hospital in Kano, Nigeria. The study design was cross-sectional. Results: The results found acceptance for screening in the sample to be high (76%), but few women (7%) had actually been probed about violence in their contact with care providers. Acceptance for screening was associated with being married and being employed. Actual screening was associated with ethnicity and religion, where ethnic and religious majorities were more likely to be screened. Finally, being screened for IPV seemed to improve satisfaction with care. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate the need for adaptation of a screening protocol that is also sensitive to detect IPV amongst all ethnic and religious groups. The findings also have implications for further education of socio-economically disadvantaged women on the benefits of screening

Prevalence of Domestic Violence among Antenatal Women Attending a Nigerian Hospital

Background: Health is defined as a state of complete physical; mental; social and spiritual well being and not just the absence of disease. Domestic violence (synonyms: spouse abuse; partner or intimate violence; family violence) is a public health problem which is defined as any intentional abuse of a family member (mostly females but not exclusive) by his/her partner that causes pain or injury. There is paucity of data on domestic violence mainly because of under-reporting by the victims. However; domestic violence is said to be a more frequent occurrence than other recognized pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia; twin pregnancy or gestational diabetes for which women are routinely screened during the antenatal period. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of domestic violence in pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of a local Nigerian mission hospital in Jos; Plateau state. Methods: This was a cross-sectional; descriptive study of women attending antenatal clinic at ECWA Evangel Hospital; Jos over a six month period using the Abuse Assessment Screen developed by McFarlane to detect the prevalence of domestic violence. The data were analysed using Epi Info Version 2002. Results: Three hundred and forty pregnant women were studied. Majority of them were married and were mostly aged between 20 and 39 years. Domestic violence prevalence was 12.6(43) in the current pregnancy and 63.2(215) previously. Conclusion: The study establishes that women in our environment experience domestic violence during pregnancy and majority of them also have a previous history of abuse. There is the need to routinely screen for domestic violence in pregnant women so as to prevent potential adverse pregnancy outcomes and to interrupt existing abuse

Lifetime Experience and Management of Cases of Gender-Based Violence in the Health Facilities of Kabarole District; Uganda

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a common problem in many countries; leading to high levels of mortality and morbidity; especially of women. In the health sector; GBV presents in a cryptic manner due to fear by the victims; poor records; culture; inadequate staffing and inadequate equipment. In developing countries; there is also a lack of policies; standards and guidelines for case management. As a result; GBV cases are never recognized and are poorly managed. This study set out to assess the management of GBV victims in health facilities of Kabarole District; western Uganda. It aimed at profiling the common forms of GBV; the lifetime experience of GBV by ordinary residents; the accessibility of health services to GBV victims; the health services rendered to them and to analyse inter-sectoral collaboration on GBV issues. A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 400 respondents; 40 key informants and 2 FGDs was done in May and June 2006. Over 96of the respondents had ever experienced a form of GBV and women were more likely to have experienced it than men. Most were likely to have experienced physical violence. Female respondents were more likely to have abused their victims verbally while the males were more likely to have abused them physically. Most cases of GBV were domestic and were never reported to any authorities or to the health system unless they had led to severe physical injury. This was due to cultural restrictions on discussing domestic matters publicly. GBV survivors also often lacked funds for transport and processing the cases either with the health services; local authorities or police. They reported long waiting times at health facilities; absence of staff; lack of privacy and lack of medicines as the common problems they faced at health facilities. The range of health care services provided to GBV survivors was very narrow and mostly on request by the police. Apart from being insufficient and absent; health workers were not trained in screening for GBV; management of cases and conducting forensic investigations. They did not probe actively for possible history or evidence of GBV and the data were never disaggregated within the HMIS. Intersectoral collaboration on GBV was limited to preparing police dossiers and court testimony. The paper recommends the formulation of a national policy on GBV; and the setting up of standards and guidelines for case management in the health sector. It also recommends adequate equipment of district level facilities for sufficient forensic investigations as well as training of health workers in case management including counseling. It recommends institutionalization of GBV data collection through revision of the HMIS and Continuing Medical Education. Finally; it recommends wider inter-sectoral collaboration in order to enhance prevention of GBV at community level

Social Constructions of Gender Roles; Gender-Based Violence and HIV/AIDS in two Communities of the Western Cape; South Africa

The links between gender roles; gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS risk are complex and culturally specific. In this qualitative study we investigated how women and men in two black communities in the Western Cape; South Africa; constructed their gender identities and roles; how they understood gender-based violence; and what they believed about the links between gender relations and HIV risk. First we conducted 16 key informant interviews with members of relevant stakeholder organisations. Then we held eight focus group discussions with community members in single-sex groups. Key findings included the perception that although traditional gender roles were still very much in evidence; shifts in power between men and women were occurring. Also; gender-based violence was regarded as a major problem throughout communities; and was seen to be fuelled by unemployment; poverty and alcohol abuse. HIV/AIDS was regarded as particularly a problem of African communities; with strong themes of stigma; discrimination; and especially 'othering' evident. Developing effective HIV/AIDS interventions in these communities will require tackling the overlapping as well as divergent constructions of gender; gender violence and HIV which emerged in the study