Abstract:
Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health concern that affects more
than one-third of all women globally. Assessing the prevalence and associated factors of IPV
during pandemics in various localities is crucial for intervention actions. So far, rare assessment
studies were done in Ethiopia during the current Covid-19 pandemic.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of IPV during the
Covid-19 pandemic among women of reproductive age in Debre Berhan town, Ethiopia, 2021.
Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was done. A total of 809 ever-partnered
women of reproductive age were selected randomly via multistage sampling method. Data about
IPV and associated factors were gathered using standardized questionnaire. Descriptive statistics,
bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were computed. Crude (COR) and adjusted odds
ratios (AOR) with the resulting 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to verify strength of
associations. Significant associations were declared at p-values <0.05.
Result: Among the 796 women successfully participated in the study, 337(42.3%) experienced at
least one type of IPV. Prevalence of psychological, physical and sexual violence was 281(35.3%),
122(15.3%) and 121(15.2%), respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed woman with: no formal
education (AOR, 95% CI 3.66(1.91, 6.98)), primary education (AOR, 95% CI 3.52(2.04, 6.07)),
junior education (AOR, 95% CI 3.35(1.87, 6.02)), no own income (AOR, 95% CI 1.78(1.24,
2.56)), and attitude of IPV is acceptable (AOR, 95% CI 4.02(1.33, 12.14)); a male partner with no
formal education (AOR, 95% CI 3.06(1.53, 6.14)), with ‘level of religious beliefs’ (weak (AOR,
95% CI 4.17(1.45, 12.03); and medium (AOR, 95% CI 1.64(1.13, 2.39)), alcoholics (AOR, 95%
CI 5.91(4.03, 8.67)), and smoking habits (AOR, 95% CI 2.04(1.10, 3.77)); and family size of 4-5
(AOR, 95% CI 1.73(1.03, 2.92)), and >5 (AOR, 95% CI 1.83(1.01, 3.39)) were significantly
associated with presence of any IPV. Whilst, lower education status and lack of own income of
women constantly showed significant associations with each types of IPV.
Conclusion and recommendation: This study revealed high prevalence of IPV among the study
participants. The high IPV prevalence was due to multiple factors, thus demanding empowering
the women and tailored health education to male-partners.