Health Effects of Intimate Partner Violence against Women: Evidence from Community Based Cross Sectional Study in Western Ethiopia

Intimate partner violence against women undermine the physical, mental and reproductive well-being of women. Thus, this study was aimed to assess the association between intimate partner violence against women and a range of adverse health outcomes in East Wollega Zone, West Ethiopia. A cross-sectional population based household survey was conducted between January and April, 2011. A sample of 1540 ever married/cohabited women was chosen using systematic random sampling technique. Standard WHO multi country study questionnaire was used to interview the selected women. Lifetime experiences of intimate partner violence against women was the independent variable, whereas, the experiences of symptoms of mental distress, physical injury, sexually transmitted infections, unintended and termination of pregnancy were the dependent variables. Data was entered into Epi DATA and analyzed using SPSS 19. Binary logistic regression models were used to predict the association of study variables and adjust for possible confounders. Nearly two third (64.1%) of physically abused women had been injured. The vast majority (94.0%) experienced symptom of mental distress. Sixty four percent of abused compared to 41.7% of non sexually transmitted infections (p<0.001). Furthermore, 16% of abused women had an unintended pregnancy versus 11.3% reported the same from non (p<0.05). The results of multiple logistic regression violence against women is independently associated with symptoms of mental distress, sexually transmitted infections, unintended and termination of pregnancy. However, it is not associated with ever use of family planning methods against women negatively affects physical, mental and reproductive health of women in the study areas. This needs an urgent attention by policymakers, stakeholders, and professionals at all levels.