Factors Associated with Intimate Partner Violence among Wives of Military and Civilian Men in Abuja Nigeria

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) constitutes transgression of gender norms especially in patriarchal societies such as Nigeria where women are expected to be seen and not heard. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors associated with IPV among women in civilian and military settings. A comparative cross sectional study of 260 eligible women married to military and civilian partners (130 on either side), was selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected on personal variables and types of IPV experienced. Relationship between the different forms of IPV and the respondents’ personal and partner characteristics in the two populations were compared using Chi square and significant p -value set at <0.05. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to predict the outcome of the independent variables. Partner alcohol consumption ( p = 0.004, OR = 2.8), partner physical fight with another man ( p = 0.009, OR = 3.1) and quarrels in intimate relationship ( p = 0.002; OR = 29.7) were all significant predictors of emotional violence. Also belonging to Yoruba ethnic group (p = 0.043, OR = 4.31) and being married for >2 years but <10 years ( p = 0.001, OR = 4.02) significantly predict physical violence. Moslem women were at a higher risk ( p = 0.000, OR = 5.23) of experiencing sexual violence compared to respondents of other religions. Unskilled respondents were over five times at higher risk of experiencing sexual violence than their skilled counterparts; ( p = 0.024, OR = 5.52). Similarly, alcohol consumption by respondent’s partner was a significant predictor of sexual violence among the respondents, ( p = 0.012). Family value re-orientation to address traditional norms of negative unbalanced patriarchy should be pursued with renewed vigor. Alcohol and hard drugs use should be discouraged among men who must be informed to understand that the abuser of today is a father of the abused tomorrow.