Associations between depressive symptoms, socio-economic factors, traumatic exposure and recent intimate partner violence experiences among women in Zimbabwe: a cross-sectional study (original) (raw)
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Research Square (Research Square), 2023
Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) and childhood trauma are highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), especially among women. These two traumatic experiences can adversely affect the physical and mental health status of the victims. One of the mental health consequences is major depressive disorder, a relatively neglected health issue in SSA. This study aims to examine the association between IPV and depression and determine if there is any signi cant interaction between IPV and childhood trauma as predictors of depression among Ghanaian women. Methods: The current study is a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data obtained from 1877 women during the Ghana Community-Based Action Teams Study in the central region of Ghana between 2016-2019. The negative binomial regression model was used for univariable and multivariable analyses, and interaction plots were used to study interaction effects. The level of statistical signi cance was set at 0.05. Results: Emotional violence was the most commonly reported form of IPV, with a prevalence of 24.6% (95% CI: 20.5-29.2). Regression analysis showed that after controlling for childhood trauma, age, income level, marital status, level of education, disability and pregnancy status, only emotional (coef. =1.038, 95%CI: 1.018-1.058, p-value <0.001) and sexual (coef. =1.037, 95%CI: 1.022-1.053, p-value <0.001) IPV were signi cant predictors of depression. Except for economic IPV, there was a statistically signi cant interaction effect between IPV and childhood trauma (coef. = 0.995, 95%CI: 0.992-0.998, p-value=0.003). Conclusion: Exposure to emotional and sexual IPV signi cantly predisposes women to develop depressive symptoms. There is a signi cant interaction effect between early and late-life trauma on the occurrence of depression. Public health interventions to reduce IPV and childhood trauma must be strengthened in addition to early case identi cation and support through screening.
Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 2018
Although links between mental health and intimate partner violence (IPV) have been discussed extensively in the scholarly literature, little empirical data exist about these phenomena in Botswana. This study addressed this gap by examining the nature, extent, and risk factors associated with symptoms of major depressive disorders (MDD) using cross-sectional data collected in 2009-2010 in northwestern Botswana. A random sample of 469 women participated in semistructured interviews about their lives, health, and experiences with violence. Thirty-one percent of respondents were found to meet the symptom criteria for MDD. Factors associated with MDD included emotional or physical violence by an intimate partner and being in a relationship in which both partners consumed alcohol. One in five women reported a recent experience of emotional violence, while 37% of respondents reported recent physical IPV. Women who have experienced emotional or physical IPV in the last 12 months have 89% an...
PLOS Global Public Health
Depressive symptoms are a major burden of disease globally and is associated with violence and poverty. However, much of the research linking these conditions is from resource-rich settings and among smaller, clinical samples. Secondary data from a household survey in Gauteng Province of South Africa examines the cross-sectional association between adult women’s elevated depressive symptoms and markers of violence. Using tablet computers, participants self-completed interview modules to screen for depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire 2-item screener), childhood exposure to physical and sexual abuse (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire 4-item index), as well as past-year exposure to sexual or intimate partner violence (SIPV; WHO Multicountry Study instrument 4-item index). Socio-economic status, food security, education, and income were self-reported. Representative data at the ward level allows for modeling of results using survey commands and mixed-level modeling. Of the 7,...
Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 2019
Gender-based violence (GBV) has been associated with many negative mental health outcomes, including depression. This study sought to explore the relationship between protective factors (social support, selfesteem, income, and employment) and risk factors (alcohol consumption and diagnosis of HIV) on depressive symptoms among survivors of GBV in rural northern Namibia, Africa. This cross-sectional study collected data from 156 RuKwangali speaking survivors from the Kavango region. Results indicated that study participants had high levels of depression and that higher levels of self-esteem correlated with lower levels of depressive symptoms. Additionally, alcohol use was related with higher levels of depressive symptoms among study participants. These findings suggest the need for more sustained attention to the systematic screening and assessment for depression and alcohol use among GBV survivors is needed.
Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a widespread problem affecting all cultures and socioeconomic groups. This study explored the trends in prevalence and risk factors associated with IPV among Zimbabwean women of reproductive age (15-49 years) from 2005-2015. Methods: Data from the 2005/2006, 2010/2011 and 2015 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) on 13,409 women (survey year: 2005/2006; n=4,081), (survey year: 2010/2011; n=4,411) and (survey year: 2015; n=4,917) were analyzed. Multiple logistic regressions and hierarchical modelling techniques were applied to examine the associations between demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, media exposure and IPV against women. We further estimated the prevalence of IPV over time. Results: The prevalence of IPV decreased from 45.2% in 2005 to 40.9% in 2010, and then increased to 43.1% in 2015. Some of the risk factors associated with IPV were younger age, low economic status, cohabitation and rural residence. ...
Mental ill health and factors associated with men’s use of intimate partner violence in Zimbabwe
BMC Public Health
Background: Over the years, researchers have relied on data from women victims to understand the profile on male perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV). IPV studies with male participants in the general population are still emerging in Africa. The contribution of mental ill health to IPV perpetration in the general population that has been documented elsewhere is emergent. Notwithstanding, research with male perpetrators is essential to informing effective prevention programmes and interventions. To contribute to the emerging literature on male perpetrators, we conducted a study to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with IPV perpetration by men in heterosexual relationships. We also modelled pathways to IPV perpetration using data from Zimbabwe. Methods: Data were collected through a nationwide survey employing a random and multi-staged sampling method. We recruited and administered a structured questionnaire to 2838 men aged 18 years and above. IPV was measured using an adapted WHO Domestic Violence Questionnaire. Determinants of IPV measured included child abuse, alcohol abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depressive symptoms, personal gender attitudes and risky sexual behaviours. Multivariate regression modelling was used to assess factors associated with IPV perpetration. Structural equation modelling was used to explore the underlying pathways to recent IPV perpetration. Results: Forty one percent of men had perpetrated IPV in their lifetime and 8.8% percent of men perpetrated IPV in the 12 months before the survey. Older, more educated men, men who binge drank, men who were abused as children or experienced other life traumatic experiences were more likely to perpetrate IPV in lifetime. Depressive symptoms and sexual relationship power (were also associated with lifetime IPV perpetration. IPV perpetration in the last 12 months was associated with binge drinking, PTSD and sexual relationship power. The pathways to IPV perpetration in the last 12 months from child abuse to recent IPV were mediated by comorbid PTSD symptoms, depression binge drinking and sexual relationship power. Conclusions: IPV perpetration was associated with child abuse history, mental ill health, sexual relationship power and personal gender attitudes. Interventions to reduce IPV need to engage men to address gender inequality, mental ill health and reduce alcohol consumption.
Global Health Action
Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women continues to be a public health burden globally. Objectives: To assess prevalence and factors associated with women's experiences of past 12 months physical/sexual IPV Methods: A two-stage cluster-based national cross-sectional survey in which women were randomly selected for participation was conducted among 5295 women aged 15-49 years. IPV in the last 12 months was assessed using the WHO interviewer-administered questionnaire for measuring violence against women. Participants' wife beating attitudes, partner controlling behaviours, household decision-making, STI history, HIV status and demographic characteristics were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to assess factors associated with IPV. Results: Of the 5292 women interviewed, mean age was 31.5 years and 84.7% were married. Over one-fifth of the women (20.2: 95%CI 19.1-21.3) were physically/sexually abused in the last 12 months. IPV was associated with gender inequitable norms and practices which include lacking household decision-making power (aOR 2.05, 1.71-2.47), experiencing low (aOR 2.05; 1.71-2.47) or high (aOR 4.5; 3.62-5.60) partner controlling behaviours (vs none) and endorsing low (aOR 1.29) or high (aOR 1.36) wife beating attitudes (vs none), having sexual self-efficacy (aOR 1.19; 1.10-1.41), experiencing emotional abuse (aOR 4.50; 3.62-5.60) and having a sexually transmitted infection (STI) (aOR 1.36, 1.04-1.77). IPV was also associated with women's empowerment factors including possessing household assets (aOR 1.26, 1.03-1.54) and reporting current media usage (aOR 1.29; 1.04-1.61). Demographic factors associated with IPV were age and number of children. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that IPV is a significant public health and societal problem as one in five women were abused in the past year. Younger women, less empowered women, women in inequitable intimate relationships and women endorsing traditional gender norms were at increased risk of abuse. IPV prevention programmes must prioritise transforming traditional gender norms and women's economic empowerment.
BMJ Open
ObjectivesTo describe associations between men’s poor mental health (depressive and post-traumatic stress symptomatology) and their perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV) and non-partner sexual violence (NPSV), and women’s mental health and their experiences of IPV and NPSV in five settings in the Global South.DesignA pooled analysis of data from baseline interviews with men and women participating in five violence against women and girls prevention intervention evaluations.SettingThree sub-Saharan African countries (South Africa, Ghana and Rwanda), and one Middle Eastern country, the occupied Palestinian territories.Participants7021 men and 4525 women 18+ years old from a mix of self-selecting and randomly selected household surveys.Main outcome measuresAll studies measured depression symptomatology using the Centre for Epidemiological Studies-Depression, and the Harvard Trauma Scale for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among men and women. IPV and NPSV were ...
Domestic violence among married women of reproductive age in Zimbabwe: a cross sectional study
Background: Domestic violence does not only violate women's fundamental human rights but it also undermines them from achieving their fullest potential around the world. This study was conducted to assess trends and factors associated with domestic violence among married women of reproductive age in Zimbabwe. Method: This was a cross-sectional study which used secondary data obtained from 2005/06, 2010/11 and 2015 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Surveys (ZDHS). Respondents ranged from married or living with a partner (15-49 years). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine factors associated with domestic violence. Results: Out of 4472 women who were currently married, 1907 (42.7%) had ever experienced one form of domestic violence (physical, emotional and sexual violence). Women aged 40-49 was deemed a protective factor against domestic violence. Risk of domestic violence was higher among working women than unemployed women [AOR = 1.35; p ≤ 0.047]. Women who drink alcohol significantly risk experiencing domestic violence compared to their non-drinking counterpart; also women whose husbands drink alcohol were at higher risk of experiencing domestic violence [AOR = 1.35; p ≤ 0.001]. Domestic violence was higher among women whose husbands have ever experienced their fathers beating their mothers and significant for women whose husbands have more than one wife (polygamy) [AOR = 1.35; p ≤ 0.001]. High parity (5 or more children) was also a risk factor for domestic violence among the studied population [AOR = 1.35; p ≤ 0.038]. Conclusion: Domestic violence was found to be strongly associated with women whose husbands drink alcohol, products of abusive parents/father beating their mother and/or polygamous marriage (had more than one wife). Domestic violence still remains a challenge and a more biting policy efforts are needed to eradicate this public health canker in Zimbabwe.