Intimate partner violence anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders among married women in Ethiopia: support intervention strategies
Zedwu Shewangizaw Weret
Introduction
Globally, intimate partner violence is a concern that affects the international rights and
wellbeing of millions of women.
Aim
The study aimed to assess IPV and the association between anxiety, PTSD symptoms,
and IPV perpetration on married women in Ethiopia. Furthermore, support intervention
strategies on IPV and mental health outcomes for married women were developed.
Methodology
The study followed a quantitative research method. The researcher viewed the problem on
a continuum of cross-sectional study design. The study was conducted in a rural area of
Ambo district, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. Married women aged 18-49 years were
selected using a systematic sampling method. An interviewer-administered questionnaire
tailored from a WHO multi-country study on women's health and life events, as well as
PCL-C and BAI scale, was utilized as a data collection instrument.
Results
According to the findings, 34.5% (n=326) of the study participants experienced IPV
considering the past twelve months prevalence. Specifically, psychological violence 25.9%
(n=245), physical violence, 20.8% (n=197), and sexual violence 15.3% (n=145) were
reported by the study participants. Mental health outcome of IPV, 10.2% (n=96) and 11%
(n=104) of the study participants respectively reported anxiety and PTSD symptoms.
The association between anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and IPV perpetration were examined
in this study. Psychological violence, 2.86 (95% CI (1.86- 4.41)), physical violence 2.56
(95% CI (1.63-4.11)) and any form of IPV 2.72 (95% CI (1.77-4.18) predicted anxiety
symptoms. Whereas, the age group from 28-37 years, 2.18 (95% CI (1.07-4.43)) predict a
low level of anxiety. Psychological violence, 2.44 (95% CI 1.60-3.71)), physical violence,
2.23 (95% CI (1.44, 3.46)) and any form of IPV 2.23 (95% CI (1.44- 3.46)) predict an
increased PTSD symptom.
Conclusion and recommendations
This research contributed to developing the support intervention strategies on IPV and
mental health outcomes for married women. The study proposes that supportive
intervention strategies be given at health facilities and the community level.
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