Spatial distribution and determinants of physical intimate partner violence among women in Kenya: Evidence from the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey

• Published in: PloS one 2024-08, Vol.19 (8), p.e0309173
• Main Authors: Okyere, Joshua, Ayebeng, Castro, Boateng, Ebenezer N K, Assie, Rebecca A A, Odoi, Amanda, Dzirassah, King-David, Ankomahene, Bright, Dickson, Kwamena Sekyi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abused women; Adolescent; Adult; Age; Aggression; Analysis; Behavior modification; Biology and Life Sciences; Cluster analysis; Computer and Information Sciences; Counties; Cross-Sectional Studies; Datasets; Demographics; Demography; Domestic violence; Earth Sciences; Education; Family violence; Female; Gender-based violence; Geospatial data; Health aspects; Health Surveys; Higher education; Households; Humans; Hypotheses; Indexes; Indicators; Intervention; Intimate partner violence; Intimate Partner Violence - statistics & numerical data; Kenya - epidemiology; Logistic Models; Low income groups; Male; Medicine and Health Sciences; Middle Aged; North and South; People and Places; Physical education; Prevention; Psychological aspects; Public health; Regions; Regression models; Research and Analysis Methods; Research hot spots; Risk Factors; Secondary analysis; Social aspects; Social Sciences; Socioeconomic Factors; Spatial Analysis; Spatial distribution; Spatial variations; Statistics; Surveys; Variables; Violence; Women; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1932-6203; 1932-6203
• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0309173

Despite global, regional, and national efforts to address intimate partner violence (IPV), physical IPV persists as a significant challenge in Kenya. This study employs geospatial analysis to examine the spatial distribution and determinants of physical intimate partner violence among women, aiming to inform targeted interventions and policies. The study used a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study design based on the 2022 Kenya demographic and health survey. Analyses were conducted using Stata version 17.0 and ArcMap version 10.8. Spatial autocorrelation and hotspot assessment were conducted in the geospatial analysis, while a multilevel logistic regression model was used to examine determinants of physical violence among reproductive-aged women. The study found 28.8% (10,477) of the surveyed women reported experiencing physical intimate partner violence. The spatial analysis identified significant clusters in the southwest and central regions, with women in sub-counties like Chepaluugu, Konion, Sotik, Bumula, and Metayos among others experiencing more violence. Conversely, women in areas in the North East and South East corners such as Kisauni, Tarabaj, Waijir North, Lafey, and Mandera North and South among others showed little or no physical intimate partner violence. Multivariable logistic regression identified age, education, wealth index, partner domineering indicators, and justification of wife beating to be associated with physical intimate partner violence. Higher education and wealth were associated with lower violence odds, while partner domineering indicators and justification of wife beating increased odds. Spatial variations in intimate partner violence risk for women in Kenya underscore the need for targeted government interventions. Focusing on hotspot regions, especially among women with the poorest wealth index, no formal education, and older age, is crucial. Implementing behavior change campaigns addressing violence justification and partner dominance is vital. Active involvement of male partners in programs aiming to eliminate intimate partner violence is essential for comprehensive impact.