Global prevalence of domestic violence against adults during COVID-19 and its determinants: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression analysis

BackgroundDomestic violence (DV) is a pressing public health issue with worldwide implications. Crises like the COVID-19 pandemic can exacerbate this problem, as social and personal challenges intersect with the disruptive effects of health measures.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the prevalence of DV during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify its associated determinants.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sources and methodsA comprehensive review of the literature in PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Cochrane Covid-19 register up to July 2024 were conducted. Pooled prevalence of DV during COVID-19, including overall and subtype prevalence were assessed, while also extracting associated factors and determinants. Meta-regression analyzed the impact of determinants on heterogeneity. A random effects model estimated the pooled prevalence using the meta-prop method, applying Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation for variance stabilization.ResultsA total of 37 qualifying studies were included in our final analysis with a total sample size of 160,701 individuals. The overall pooled prevalence of DV, regardless of subtypes, was 13% (95% CI: 12-14%). Among the different subtypes, psychological violence had the highest pooled prevalence of 24% (95% CI: 19-28%), while financial violence had the lowest pooled prevalence of 7% (95% CI: 6-9%). Sexual violence (11%, 95% CI: 9-12%), physical violence (10%, 95% CI: 9-12%), and violence involving threats and controlling behaviors 11% (95% CI: 8-13%) had approximately similar prevalence rates. Meta-regression analyses showed the risk of overall DV was significantly higher among younger women Risk Difference (RD) =15% (P<0.001), 40 years and younger individuals RD=12% (P<0.001), and those living in developing countries RD=14% (P<0.001) compared to their counterparts. On average, women had a higher risk of overall DV than the elderly and men RD=9% (P<0.001).ConclusionThe study revealed a concerning global prevalence of DV at 13% during the COVID-19 pandemic, with psychological violence being the most common subtype. Women and young adults were identified as particularly vulnerable, with risk differentials of 15% and 12%, respectively, notably higher in developing countries (14%). This comprehensive assessment of DV prevalence and determinants offers valuable insights for future research and public health strategies.RegistrationPROSPERO CRD42022351634.