Zeitschrift für Frauengesundheit
Offener Zugang
ISSN: 2167-0420
ISSN: 2167-0420
Birye Dessalegn Mekonnen
Background: Spousal violence is the most common form of gender based violence which has enormous maternal health consequence. Though spousal violence is still the highest contributor to gender based violence in Ethiopia, evidence on the identification of its determinant factors is limited. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of spousal violence and associated factors among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia. Methods: A nationaly representative 2016 EDHS data were used, and a weighted sample of 4,687 married women was selected. The analysis was performed using SPSS version 20 statistical package. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine determinants of spousal violence, and statistical significance was declared at p value < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of spousal violence among ever married women in Ethiopia was 31.8% (95% CI: 30.6, 33.2). Age at marriage (AOR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.54, 2.44), being divorced (AOR = 1.71; 95% C.I: 1.31, 2.21), primary education (AOR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.59, 0.84), secondary education (AOR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.57, 0.94), higher education (AOR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.45, 0.85), working status (AOR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.60–0.99), partner alcohol drink habit (AOR = 3.66; 95% CI: 2.88, 4.64) and decision-making power (AOR = 9.29; 95% CI: 6.63, 13.03) were independently associated with spousal violence Conclusion: This study showed that nearly one-third of ever-married women have ever experienced spousal violence in their lifetime. Hence, policymakers, public health experts, government and other stakeholders should establish effective strategies and mobilize resources to minimize problem of spousal violence and identified risk factors. Moreover, empowering decision-making power and educational level of women can be effective strategies to reduce spousal violence.