Spatial epidemiology of intimate partner violence in Kenya: A county-level clustering analysis.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health challenge globally. In this study, spatial analysis was done to study the distribution and clustering of IPV perpetrated against women by their current or most recent husband or intimate partner, across counties in Kenya in terms of lifetime and past 12-month prevalence. Using publicly available, county-level data from the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2022, secondary analysis was conducted. County-level lifetime and past 12-month IPV prevalence were analysed. GeoDa 1.20.0.36 and ArcMap 10.8.1 were used for spatial analysis and mapping. Lifetime prevalence surpassed the past 12-month IPV prevalence, with distinct geographical disparities across the counties. Statistically significant clustering was noted for both IPV metrics. Findings underscore the need for effective interventions to decrease and eventually eliminate IPV in Kenya.