Determinants of physical violence among women of reproductive age in Rwanda: evidence from the 2019/20 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS).

BACKGROUND

Violence against women remains a critical issue worldwide, with physical violence affecting about 27% of women of reproductive age. In Rwanda, intimate partner physical violence remains high despite various interventions; however, evidence on the socio-demographic, economic, and behavioral factors contributing to this violence is limited, particularly among unmarried women in relationships. This study uses nationally representative 2019-2020 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS) data to examine factors associated with intimate partner physical violence among women of age 15-49 years.

METHOD: This cross-sectional study used data from the 2019-20 RDHS, sampling 2763 women of age 15-49 years. A two-stage stratified sampling method ensured national representativeness. Data collection involved structured questionnaires. Physical violence was defined as reported experiences of slapping or beating. The analysis focused on identifying associated socio-demographic and economic factors using multivariate analysis.

RESULT: The prevalence of physical violence was 38.7% (95% CI: 36.6-40.7%). Multivariate analysis revealed significant risk factors: women from wealthier households had a lower risk (AOR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.54-0.99), as did those with higher-educated husbands (AOR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.20-0.95). Joint decision-making reduced the risk (AOR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.49-0.78), while husbands' alcohol consumption increased the risk of physical violence (AOR = 2.74, 95% CI: 2.17-3.47).

CONCLUSION

The study revealed that wealthier households, joint decision-making, and higher partner education were associated with a reduced risk of physical violence, whereas alcohol consumption was associated with an increased risk of physical violence among reproductive-age women in Rwanda. Strengthening policies, addressing alcohol abuse, and promoting gender equality are crucial steps for policymakers to mitigate risks and effectively combat this public health issue.