Abstract:
Introduction: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is any behavior within an intimate relationship that causes sexual, physical, or psychological harm. Worldwide, it affects about one-third of all women in a relationship in their life time. Despite the fact that IPV against married women occurs frequently, victims' reports of it merely represent the tip of the iceberg. In Ethiopia, there are still few researches on women's responses and associated issues, and no study has looked into the situation in Woliso District.
Objective: This study aimed to assess women’s response to IPV and its associated factors among married women in Woliso district, South west shoa, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2023.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey supplemented by a qualitative study was conducted on 633 married women selected through multistage sampling technique in Woliso district from December 25/2022-January24/2023. Quantitative data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire loaded on a smartphone kobo collect application. Collected data were downloaded and analysed using SPSS version 24. Binary and Multiple logistic regressions were computed to answer the objectives. In the final model, variable with P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant at 95% confidence level. Qualitative data were collected using a semi-structured guide through key informant interviews. Collected data were transcribed; coded, analysed then recurring themes were generated to write a general description of women's responses to IPV.
Result: A total of 571 women have participated in the study making response rate of 90.2%. Overall, 29.25% of the respondents reported that they have engaged into their own IPV. Marriage arrangement (AOR= 1.87, 95% C.I. 1.23–2.85), women’s believe equality with her partner (AOR=1.59, 95%C.I.1.07–2.36), and husband alcohol use (AOR=2.07, 95% C.I.1.35–3.19) were significantly associated with engagement response to IPV.
Conclusion: Less than one-third of married women were engaged into IPV. Marriage arrangement, women’s believe equality with her partner and husband alcohol uses were significantly associated with women’s response to IPV.
Recommendation: Ending IPV programs should encourage victim’s active involvement
