Intimate partner violence anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders among married women in Ethiopia: support intervention strategies

Abstract

Introduction Globally, intimate partner violence is a concern that affects the international rights and wellbeing of millions of women. Aim The study aimed to assess IPV and the association between anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and IPV perpetration on married women in Ethiopia. Furthermore, support intervention strategies on IPV and mental health outcomes for married women were developed. Methodology The study followed a quantitative research method. The researcher viewed the problem on a continuum of cross-sectional study design. The study was conducted in a rural area of Ambo district, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. Married women aged 18-49 years were selected using a systematic sampling method. An interviewer-administered questionnaire tailored from a WHO multi-country study on women's health and life events, as well as PCL-C and BAI scale, was utilized as a data collection instrument. Results According to the findings, 34.5% (n=326) of the study participants experienced IPV considering the past twelve months prevalence. Specifically, psychological violence 25.9% (n=245), physical violence, 20.8% (n=197), and sexual violence 15.3% (n=145) were reported by the study participants. Mental health outcome of IPV, 10.2% (n=96) and 11% (n=104) of the study participants respectively reported anxiety and PTSD symptoms. The association between anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and IPV perpetration were examined in this study. Psychological violence, 2.86 (95% CI (1.86- 4.41)), physical violence 2.56 (95% CI (1.63-4.11)) and any form of IPV 2.72 (95% CI (1.77-4.18) predicted anxiety symptoms. Whereas, the age group from 28-37 years, 2.18 (95% CI (1.07-4.43)) predict a low level of anxiety. Psychological violence, 2.44 (95% CI 1.60-3.71)), physical violence, 2.23 (95% CI (1.44, 3.46)) and any form of IPV 2.23 (95% CI (1.44- 3.46)) predict an increased PTSD symptom. Conclusion and recommendations This research contributed to developing the support intervention strategies on IPV and mental health outcomes for married women. The study proposes that supportive intervention strategies be given at health facilities and the community level.