Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to measure the prevalence and associated factors of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) among women living with and without HIV in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study design was used to interview the 816 women between 18-49 years of age (408=HIV positive, 408=HIV negative) from November-December 2018. The WHO multi-country study of gender-based violence questionnaire was used. Using a multistage sampling technique, participants were recruited from nine health facilities based on probability proportional to the number of clients. After data entry (EpiData version 4.4.2.0) the data were exported to STATA/SE 15 software. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis was undertaken along with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals are presented.

Results: The lifetime prevalence of IPV among all women was 59.7%, [95% CI: 56.31%-63.05%]. IPV was slightly higher among women living with HIV, 250(61.3%), than those who were HIV negative, 238(58.1%). The lifetime prevalence of emotional violence 413(50.6%), physical violence 349(42.8%), sexual violence 219(26.8%), and controlling behaviors by husbands/partners, 489(59.9%) were reported. Associations were found between IPV and controlling behavior of husband/partner [AOR=8.13; 95% CI: 4.93-13.42],income [AOR=3.97; 95% CI:1.81-8.72], bride price payment [AOR=3.46; 95% CI:1.74-6.87], women’s decision  to refuse sex [AOR=2.99; 95% CI: 1.39-6.41],age group of women [AOR=2.86; 95% CI:1.67-4.90],  partner’s family choosing wife [AOR=2.83; 95% CI:1.70-4.69], alcohol consumption by partner [AOR=2.36;95% CI:1.36-4.10], number of sexual partners [AOR=2.35; 95% CI:1.36-4.09], and if partner ever physically fought with another man [AOR=1.83; 95% CI:1.05-3.19].

Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of IPV against women, both living with and without HIV. Therefore, policy priorities should involve males in programs of gender-based violence prevention to change their violent behavior, and interventions are required to improve women's economic status. Both sexes should be advised to have a single partner, and marriage arrangements should be by mutual consent rather than being made by parents.

Keywords: Intimate partner violence, HIV, women, physical violence, Ethiopia