Experience and attitude of rural women to IPV in Nigeria

In Nigeria, few studies that have addressed intimate partner violence (IPV) to women have been carried out in urban settings. The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence, types and factors associated with experience of IPV among rural women in Oyo State, Nigeria. Attitude to wife beating was also assessed.

300 rural women aged between 15 and 49 years selected by multistage sampling method were interviewed using semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire.

Lifetime prevalence of IPV was 64.0 %, controlling behavior was 42.0 %, psychological violence −34.7 %, physical violence −28.0 % and sexual violence −11.6 %. Predictors of controlling behavior were monthly income > $67(OR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.2–4.1) and age of partner ≤34 years (OR = 2.8; 95 % CI: 1.3–6.2). Respondents in relationship for more than 10 years were more likely to experience psychological violence (OR = 5.7; 95 % CI 2.1–15.2). Predictors of physical violence were being in relationship for ≥3 years (OR = 3.8; 95 % CI: 1.1–13.3) and partner consuming alcohol (OR = 2.1; 95 % CI: 1.1–4.1). Partner’s educational level (at least secondary) (OR = 5.7; 95 % CI: 1.2–24.6) and alcohol consumption (OR = 3.0; 95 % CI: 1.3–6.7) were predictors of sexual violence. About 24.4 % of women justified wife beating. The most common reason for justification was that the woman had been unfaithful (28 %).

IPV is a common experience among Nigerian rural women. Partners need education on dangers of alcohol use and its association with IPV. Different strategies are needed to prevent and reduce IPV.