Predictors of Intimate Partner Violence Among Reproductive Age Group Women in Mozambique

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health and human rights issue globally, with a particularly high burden in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite this, evidence on the predictors of IPV in Mozambique remains limited. This study aimed to identify predictors of IPV among women of reproductive age in Mozambique using nationally representative data.

This study utilised secondary data from the 2022 to 2023 Mozambique Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). A total of 4454 women aged 15-49 years who responded to the domestic violence module were included. IPV was defined as experiencing at least one act of physical, sexual or emotional violence by a current or former intimate partner in the 12 months preceding the survey. Logistic regression, accounting for sampling weights, clustering and stratification, was used to identify independent predictors of IPV. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported.

The prevalence of IPV among reproductive-age women in Mozambique was 24.8% (1103/4454). In the adjusted model, higher education was associated with significantly reduced odds of IPV (AOR = 0.420, 95% CI: 0.243-0.725). Employment was associated with increased odds of IPV (AOR = 1.192, 95% CI: 1.022-1.390). Partner alcohol use was the strongest predictor (AOR = 2.078, 95% CI: 1.781-2.425), followed by a history of father-to-mother violence (AOR = 2.022, 95% CI: 1.681-2.432). Women in the richest wealth quintile had significantly lower odds of IPV (AOR = 0.631, 95% CI: 0.462-0.862).

IPV remains highly prevalent among women in Mozambique and is strongly influenced by relational and intergenerational factors. Partner alcohol consumption and exposure to parental violence significantly increase the risk, whereas higher education offers protection. These findings highlight the need for integrated interventions addressing alcohol use, intergenerational violence and gender norms, alongside efforts to promote women's education and empowerment.