Publication:

Intimate partner violence among women of reproductive age during COVID-19 pandemic in Bungoma County, Kenya

Background Intimate partner violence includes all forms of aggression by former or current intimate partner. It accounts to 1.3 million deaths annually. Women of reproductive age, 18% globally have experienced physical and sexual forms of IPV. IPV cases ranges from 55% and 46% respectively in Africa and South Asia.COVID-19 has seen increase of IPV by 5% among WRA. IPV among WRA increases incidence of suicide, abortion and depression.

Methods Descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Stratified 2 stage random sampling and simple random sampling techniques were used. Sample size was 229 WRA. Primary data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire, KIIS and FGDS. Data analysis was carried out through both descriptive statistics and inferential analysis findings were presented in percentages and pie charts.

Results Age category of 26 -33 years, participants who are casual workers, alcohol consumption by partner, length of relationship, level of education and culture were significantly associated with physical, psychological, sexual and economic violence.66.80%of the participants did not know about the policies on IPV and the available community level services to combat IPV was majorly reconciliation of couples by the local chiefs.

Conclusions The health system factors that facilitates support of IPV was not in line with SDGs Goal 5: Gender equality and SDGs Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions. A large number of respondents (79.5%) reported unavailability of health facilities linked to social, health and legal services to support victims of IPV.