AI Insight
This cross-sectional study of 502 women in urban Lagos, Nigeria found that 83% had experienced some form of intimate partner violence in their lifetime, with 51.8% experiencing it in the past year. Emotional violence was most prevalent (78% lifetime, 47.8% past year), followed by physical violence (54% lifetime, 27.5% past year) and sexual violence (18% lifetime, 9.4% past year). Key risk factors included partner's young age, extramarital relationships, daily alcohol consumption, poor communication, intergenerational violence exposure, and negative attitudes toward gender roles.
Why it matters
The findings reveal alarmingly high rates of intimate partner violence in urban Nigeria and identify specific at-risk groups and modifiable risk factors. These results can inform targeted interventions, public health policies, and multi-sectoral approaches to address gender-based violence through education, legal reforms, and health system strengthening in similar cultural contexts.
Understand the Science
by Tope Olubodun, Ajoke Adewole, Victoria Oluwasola Yesufu, Ifeoma P. Okafor, Olorunfemi Akinbode Ogundele, Omobola Yetunde Ojo, Gbemiga Adekunle Ajewole, Mobolanle Rasheedat Balogun
Background
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health and human rights concern affecting women globally. In Nigeria, entrenched social norms and cultural acceptance of male dominance contribute to its high prevalence. This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of emotional, physical, and sexual IPV among women residing in an urban Local Government Area (LGA) in Lagos, Nigeria.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study carried out among 502 women who had been married/cohabiting for at least 2 years. Respondents were selected via multi-stage sampling. Data was collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires adapted from the WHO multi-country study questionnaire on women’s health and life experiences. Data was analysed using univariate, bivariate analysis and binary logistic regression.
Results
The mean age of the women was 37.4 ± 8 years. The mean age of women’s partners was 44.4 ± 8.7 years. Overall, 83% of women had ever experienced some form of IPV and 51.8% in the past year. Emotional IPV was most common (78% ever, 47.8% past year), followed by physical (54% ever, 27.5% past year) and sexual IPV (18% ever, 9.4% past year). Cohabiting women and women married for 2–10 years had higher odds of emotional IPV and any IPV. Women with no formal education [aOR 0.15, 95% CI 0.04–0.67] were less likely to experience any IPV. Women whose partners were younger [aOR 6.91, 95% CI 2.21–21.66], engaged in extramarital relationships [aOR 2.30, 95% CI 1.29–4.10], had significantly higher odds of any IPV. Women whose partners drank alcohol daily/nearly every day [aOR 2.18, 95% CI 1.10–4.3] were more likely to be victims of physical IPV. Poor partner communication doubled the likelihood of physical IPV, and women whose partners’ mothers had experienced violence were more likely to experience physical IPV. Women with negative attitudes toward gender roles were at greater risk of experiencing any form of IPV.
Conclusion
This study found a high prevalence of intimate partner violence among women in urban Lagos. Targeted interventions should focus on high-risk groups and be complemented by broader, multi-sectoral efforts to challenge gender norms, empower women, and strengthen legal and health-system responses.