Prevalence and Correlates of Intimate Partner Violence Victimisation Among Young People in a Nigerian University

Abstract

Introduction: Intimate partner violence victimisation among young people is a public health challenge that should be tackled aggressively because the cycle of violence usually starts during the dating phase. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and correlates of intimate partner violence victimisation among young people in a Nigerian University.
Methods: Data was collected from 459 University undergraduates through an online survey. The data was analysed with SPSS using logistic regression models to explore these relationships after controlling for confounding factors.
Results: Intimate partner violence prevalence was 63.4% and was comparable between the male and female participants. (61.9% versus 64% ꭕ2 0.17, p=0.68) The correlates were recent sexually transmitted infections (OR 6.49 95% CI 2.99-8.87), multiple sexual partners (OR 1.39 95% CI 1.08-10.34), previous termination of pregnancy by self or partner (OR
8.48 95% CI 4.62-12.82) and current contraceptive use. (OR 1.14 95% CI 1.11-2.25) Also, alcohol intake (OR 4.14 95%CI 1.04-16.58) and substance abuse (OR 1.09, 95%CI 1.02-3.50) increased the odds of experiencing IPV.
Conclusions: The high-risk sexual behaviours associated with intimate partner victimisation in this population may be connected to a high level of impulsivity usually exhibited during adolescence and young adulthood.