Health Policy & Community Health: Faculty Publications

Patterns and Correlates of Intimate Partner Violence Against Women in Nigeria: Insights from Recent Nationally Representative Data

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2026

Publication Title

Women

DOI

10.3390/women6020039

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women is recognized as a public health and human rights issue globally. Nigeria continues to experience a substantial burden of IPV. This study analyzed patterns and multilevel factors associated with violence against women in Nigeria, including emotional, physical, and sexual violence. This study analyzed data from 5458 women aged 15 to 49 years who participated in the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). We computed multivariable binary logistic regression and Firth logistic regression (for relatively rare events). Women whose partners consumed alcohol had higher odds of experiencing emotional violence (AOR = 2.97), less severe physical violence (AOR = 3.11), severe physical violence (AOR = 3.22), and sexual violence (AOR = 2.07). Partner controlling behaviors, including restricting contact with family or friends, was also consistently linked to elevated IPV risk. Women living with a partner had higher odds of severe physical and sexual violence. Higher education and greater household wealth were associated with lower IPV outcomes. Our study provides practice-relevant evidence and policy implications, including the need for integrated prevention strategies that address behavioral risk factors, strengthen early screening for controlling behaviors, and promote women’s socioeconomic empowerment.

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