article · BMC Women s Health
Intimate partner violence (IPV) remains a public health and human rights concern globally, with significant consequences for women’s health and wellbeing. Understanding the factors associated with IPV is essential for targeted interventions in Nigeria. This study examined individual, household, and community-level factors associated with intimate partner violence among women of reproductive age in Nigeria using the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). This cross-sectional study analyzed a weighted sample of 20,202 Nigerian women aged 15–49 years, extracted from the 2024 NDHS datasets. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multivariable logistic regression were conducted using Stata 17. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The prevalence of IPV was 23.4% (95% CI: 22.4%–24.4%). Women aged 20–29 years had higher odds of IPV compared to adolescents. A non-linear association with education was observed: primary and secondary education were associated with increased IPV, whereas higher education was not significant. Marital status showed the strongest association, with markedly higher odds among separated (AOR = 6.02, 95% CI: 4.51–8.02) and divorced women (AOR = 5.56, 95% CI: 3.86–8.02) as well as among those cohabiting. Higher wealth was protective, whereas larger household size increased IPV risk. Muslim women had lower odds of IPV compared to Catholics (AOR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.37–0.57). Significant regional disparities were observed, with lower odds of IPV in the North East and South West compared with the North West. IPV affects nearly one in four women in Nigeria and is associated with factors across multiple levels. Marital status, education, and wealth emerged as key correlates, with clear regional disparities. These findings support targeted interventions for high-risk groups, particularly separated and divorced women, alongside economic strengthening and context-specific strategies addressing harmful gender norms.
This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-026-04790-8
Is something wrong with this record? Report it or request removal.
Discussion
Have you built on this work, tried to replicate it, or seen it applied in practice? Share what you know. Verified researchers and MARATTO™ domain experts can open a discussion, and any member can reply. Contributions are reviewed before they appear.
No discussion yet. Open the first thread.
New to MARATTO™? Create a free account.
