Regional Variations and Determinants of Physical Intimate Partner Violence in Nigeria

Background: In spite of the need to prevent and mitigate varying occurrences of physical intimate partner violence (IPV) in different regions of the country, regional determinants of physical IPV in Nigeria have remain unexplored. The study, therefore, examines the regional variations of the prevalence and determinants of physical intimate partner violence in Nigeria. Method: Data was from the 2013 Demographic and Health Survey of Nigeria, which was conducted in all 36 states of Nigeria, and Abuja. A composite index of physical intimate partner violence was used as the outcome variable. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, mapping, and binary logistic regression. Results: On National level, 16.25% of respondents had experienced physical IPV while regional variations in physical IPV was found across the regions with South-South having the highest prevalence (27.10%). The most significant determinants of physical intimate partner violence at the national level, and across the regions were shown to be: high level of alcohol intake by some husbands, increase in the number of co-wives, increased parity, wealth index, and low levels of women education. Conclusion: This study recommends sensitization of the public on the negative consequences of excessive alcohol intake, and practice of polygamy, on physical IPV.