Prevalence, Pattern and Correlates of Intimate Partner Violence among Married Men as Victims in Osogbo, Nigeria

Aim: The burden of intimate partner violence in men as victims is under explored in Nigeria and in the catchment area of the present study. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence pattern and correlates of intimate partner violence among married men as victims in Osogbo metropolis.

Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in Osogbo metropolis between October and December, 2017.

Methodology: The study was conducted among 300 consenting married men between the ages of 18 and 65 years in Osogbo metropolis. A multistage sampling technique was used. A questionnaire designed based on literature searches and also adapted from conflicts tactics scale was self-administered by the respondents. Data was entered into the computer and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Frequency distribution tables, charts and graphs were generated from variables while cross tabulation and test statistics were done where applicable. Chi square was used to compare rates, ratios and proportions while fisher’s exact test was used when cells had expected values less than 5. Logistic regression was used to avoid confounding effects. Level of significance was set with P-value less than .05.

Results: Majority of the respondents was currently in a monogamous relationship, employed and earns more than 1800 Naira minimum wage. More than half of the respondents had tertiary education and of Christian religion. The mean age of the respondents was 41.92±10.10 years. The prevalence of intimate partner violence was 31%, psychological abuse was 29.3%, physical abuse 14.7% while sexual abuse was 17%. The association between age of respondents, age of respondents’ wives, income less than wives’ and intimate partner violence was found to be statistically significant. Those whose wives were employed were 4.713 times more likely to have IPV and those who earn less than their wives’ were 2.442 times more likely to have IPV.

Conclusion: The prevalence of IPV was found to be high among married men. The results of this study have shown the burden of intimate partner violence among married men. This can serve as a baseline for planning intervention. This is also useful in providing part of a data base in Nigeria that may be important for advocating policy reviews.