Measuring the effects of community polygyny on intimate partner violence: a multilevel modeling using nationally representative cross-sectional data

Abstract

Findings from this study substantiates the importance of moving beyond individuals' characteristics and incorporating the collective mindset of polygyny to fully capture the effects of polygyny on intimate partner violence in Central Africa. Previous research pointed out the negative effects of polygyny at individual level. This study showed that community polygyny, since communities might differ on the acceptance levels towards polygyny, is equally important to understand how polygyny could affect the prevalence of intimate partner violence in Central Africa. Therefore, interventions aimed at eliminating intimate partner violence should integrate communities' influences on intimate partner violence in Central Africa and worldwide.