Background: Violence against women remains a critical issue worldwide, with physical violence affecting about 27% of women of reproductive age. In Rwanda, intimate partner physical violence remains high despite various interventions; however, evidence on the socio-demographic, economic, and behavioral factors contributing to this violence is limited, particularly among unmarried women in relationships. This study uses nationally representative 2019–2020 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS) data to examine factors associated with intimate partner physical violence among women of age 15–49 years. Method: This cross-sectional study used data from the 2019–20 RDHS, sampling 2763 women of age 15–49 years. A two-stage stratified sampling method ensured national representativeness. Data collection involved structured questionnaires. Physical violence was defined as reported experiences of slapping or beating. The analysis focused on identifying associated socio-demographic and economic factors using multivariate analysis. Result: The prevalence of physical violence was 38.7% (95% CI: 36.6–40.7%). Multivariate analysis revealed significant risk factors: women from wealthier households had a lower risk (AOR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.54–0.99), as did those with higher-educated husbands (AOR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.20–0.95). Joint decision-making reduced the risk (AOR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.49–0.78), while husbands’ alcohol consumption increased the risk of physical violence (AOR = 2.74, 95% CI: 2.17–3.47). Conclusion: The study revealed that wealthier households, joint decision-making, and higher partner education were associated with a reduced risk of physical violence, whereas alcohol consumption was associated with an increased risk of physical violence among reproductive-age women in Rwanda. Strengthening policies, addressing alcohol abuse, and promoting gender equality are crucial steps for policymakers to mitigate risks and effectively combat this public health issue.
Munyambaraga et al. (2026) studied this question.