Risk Factors for Physical Domestic Violence in a High-Prevalence HIV Setting: Findings from Project Accept Baseline...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Zimbabwe experiences a severe HIV/AIDS epidemic.
• Deteriorating economic and political conditions correlate with increased domestic violence.
• Understanding domestic violence factors is crucial for policy development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify demographic and behavioral factors linked to physical domestic violence in rural Zimbabwe.
• To inform national and local policies for domestic violence and HIV prevention.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Project Accept baseline dataset.
• Conducted univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.
• Computed odds ratios (OR) for associated variables.

Main Results:

• Childhood domestic violence history (OR=2.96) and multiple lifetime partners (OR=1.94) significantly increased risk.
• Lower socioeconomic status (OR=1.4) was associated with higher risk.
• Married women reported less physical domestic violence (OR=0.65).

Conclusions:

• Women with a history of abuse, multiple partners, and lower socioeconomic status are at highest risk.
• Integrated interventions for domestic violence reduction and HIV prevention are recommended for these groups.
• Targeting these populations offers public health and global health diplomacy benefits.