Correlates of Female-Perpetrated Intimate Partner Violence in Kano, Northern Nigeria

J Interpers Violence. 2016 Jul;31(12):2240-54. doi: 10.1177/0886260515573576. Epub 2015 Mar 2.

Abstract

Women are by no means the exclusive victims of intimate partner violence (IPV). This study assessed the lifetime prevalence and predictors of female-perpetrated IPV among public servants in Kano, Nigeria. Using a descriptive cross-sectional design and systematic sampling, pre-tested structured self-administered questionnaires were used to assess prevalence, types, and predictors of IPV among 302 married men. The lifetime prevalence of IPV was 66.8% (n = 177; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [60.7, 72.4]). Of surveyed men who have ever experienced violence, 78.0% (n = 138), 81.4% (n = 144), and 16.4% (n = 29) encountered physical assault, psychological aggression, and sexual coercion, respectively. After controlling for confounders, having ≥5 children, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) [95% CI] = 3.93 [1.16, 13.29], p = .027, and childhood experience of violence, aOR [95% CI] = 0.14 [0.05, 0.39], p = .0001, remained significant predictors of female-perpetrated IPV. In conclusion, female-perpetrated IPV is prevalent in northern Nigeria. Addressing IPV will require comprehensive violence prevention measures, including counseling and support for victims and exposed children.

Keywords: Nigeria; intimate partner violence; men; predictors.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aggression
  • Coercion
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intimate Partner Violence* / psychology
  • Intimate Partner Violence* / statistics & numerical data
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nigeria
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Spouse Abuse* / psychology
  • Spouse Abuse* / statistics & numerical data