Domestic Violence across 30 Countries in Africa

IntroductionDomestic violence is a prevalent global health issue that causes incredibly adverse consequences for an individuals physical and psychological health. The rates of physical and sexual violence in developing countries are thought to be some of the highest in the world, where up to 44% of women in Sub-Saharan Africa have experienced domestic violence. However, this has not been explored systematically. We present the first study to estimate the incidence and prevalence of physical and sexual violence across Africa. MethodsPoisson meta-regression analysis on demographic health survey data from 482,670 women from 442,507 households in 30 countries across Africa. Hotspot analysis using the Getis-ORD Gi approach at the sub-regional level. ResultsOf 482,670 women, those who were divorced or separated were approximately 7 times more likely to experience physical violence and 6 times more likely to experience sexual violence compared to those who were never married (Risk Ratio: RRs:7.35, 95%CI 7.16-7.54 and 5.89, 95%CI 5.75-6.02 respectively). Likewise, wealth index and education level were inversely related to the incidence and prevalence of sexual and physical violence. Hotspots of sexual and physical violence were identified in Congo and surrounding areas. ConclusionsInterventions should be designed to address the high levels of physical and sexual violence in Congo and surrounding areas, especially in those who are less educated, have lower wealth indices, and are divorced or separated. Key QuestionsO_ST_ABSWhat is already known?C_ST_ABSExperiencing domestic violence can increase the likelihood of experiencing poorer health outcomes. Previous research has shown that the rates of domestic violence is higher in developing countries, specifically in countries located in sub-Saharan Africa. What are the new findings?This is the first study to estimate the incidence and prevalence of physical and sexual violence across regions in Africa. Geospatial analysis illustrated hot-spots near Congo that have a higher prevalence of domestic violence. This study also solidified the association between income, education, and marital status, and domestic violence. Those who are less educated and are of lower socioeconomic status are more likely to experience domestic violence in comparison to their educated, wealthy counterparts. What do the new findings imply?Our findings further promote the importance of tailoring appropriate interventions that strive to reduce domestic violence across Africa, while also protecting domestic violence victims against the adverse psychological and physical health outcomes that may occur as a result of their exposure.