Intimate partner violence in Nepal: Analysis of Nepal Demographic and Health survey 2022

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Introduction Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health issue in Nepal. IPV has social and economic impacts among women, adolescent girls, wider society. In this study we aimed to determine factors associated with intimate partner violence among women aged 15-49 currently in intimate relationship. Methods We conducted secondary data analysis of the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2022. IPV was measured in three domains-experience of physical violence, emotional violence, and sexual violence. Weighted univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to determine factors associated with intimate partner violence. The results of logistic regression were presented as odds ratio and their 95% CI. Results Of 3853 women, 27.2% had experienced any form of IPV. The prevalence of physical violence, emotional violence and sexual violence were 23.2%, 12.8 and 7.1% respectively. Higher odds of physical violence were reported among women aged 35-49 years (AOR: 2.13, 95%CI: 1.58-2.87), women without formal education (AOR: 1.51, 95%CI: 1.10-2.06) and women who justified wife beating (AOR: 1.23, 95%CI: 1.00-1.52). Women from poor households (AOR: 1.61, 95%CI: 1.12-2.35) and women with uneducated partners (AOR: 1.66, 95%CI: 1.08-2.58) were at higher risk of experiencing sexual violence. Women with unemployed husbands reported higher risk of physical violence (AOR: 2.72, 95%CI: 1.45-5.06) and emotional violence (AOR: 1.61, 95%CI: 1.12-2.35). Women who were afraid of their partners, women who experienced parental violence, women with partners who were sometimes or often drunk, and women with controlling partners were many folds more likely to experience all forms of IPV. Conclusion The prevalence of all forms of IPV were high among Nepalese women. Various sociodemographic, partner-related, and women empowerment related factors were positively associated with experiencing IPV. Acknowledging and addressing all these factors is essential to mitigating the alarming rates of IPV in this population.