Multilevel analysis of the twelve-month prevalence of intimate partner violence among ever-partnered reproductive-age women in Sub-Saharan Africa: recent DHS data (2019–2024)

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive public health issue and a violation of human rights, disproportionately affecting women in Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite efforts to mitigate gender-based violence, IPV remains alarmingly prevalent. This study aims to assess the twelve-month prevalence of IPV and its associated factors among ever-partnered reproductive-age women in Sub-Saharan Africa using recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 2019 to 2024. A multilevel analysis study was conducted using DHS datasets from 14 Sub-Saharan African countries, with a weighted sample of 62,218 ever-partnered women aged 15–49. IPV was measured across three dimensions: emotional, physical, and sexual violence. A two-level mixed-effects logistic regression model was used to analyze individual, household, and community-level predictors of IPV. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. The findings revealed that the twelve-month prevalence of IPV was 28.85% (95% CI: 28.49–29.21), with emotional violence being the most common form (22.97%), followed by physical (16.62%) and sexual violence (6.16%). Younger women, particularly those aged 15–24 (AOR = 1.12) and 25–34 (AOR = 1.19), had a higher odds of IPV compared to those aged 35–49. Having no educational status (AOR = 1.39), primary education (AOR = 1.46), or secondary education (AOR = 1.40), justifying wife-beating (AOR = 1.42), experiencing partner jealousy (AOR = 4.11), and witnessing maternal abuse (AOR = 2.11) were all significantly associated with IPV. Furthermore, women in male-headed households (AOR = 1.20) and those from poor wealth backgrounds (AOR = 1.74) were more vulnerable to IPV. IPV remains prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa, driven by individual, household, and socio-cultural factors. Addressing it requires legal reforms, education, economic empowerment, and community-based interventions. Integrating IPV prevention into healthcare and social services is crucial to protecting women’s well-being.