JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Optimization of innovative approaches is required for estimating the IPV burden and reaching Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) survivors. Significant gaps in understanding the Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) burden for AYA remain, and further investigation is required to identify risk and protective factors among this vulnerable population.

Objective:

Our study sought to (1) determine the prevalence of IPV among an urban population; (2) identify factors associated with IPV among AYA.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study design utilizing respondent driven sampling (RDS) was adopted. The study recruited 887 AYA (10-24 years) residing in Nairobi through respondent driven sampling. Data was collected through a phone-based survey dubbed the REACH-AYA app. Questions on behavioural and psychosocial factors were adopted from different standardized questionnaires and structured as domains. Descriptive, bivariate and Multivariable statistics were used to describe the characteristics of the study sample

Results:

The prevalence of IPV was 22.3%. Experiencing IPV was associated with source of information on health issues;peer pressure; criticism from friends; bullying experience; physical abuse at home; friends consumption of alcohol (p=0.005).; living in a home that had physical violence or abuse and being bullied (p=0.005). The likelihood of experiencing IPV was higher (OR=1.8, 95% CI: 1.09-2.98) among respondents whose friends/family members told them to cut down on drinking or drug use (OR=2.46, 95% CI: 1.1-5.02); Respondents who had repeated a class in the past two years had a higher odds of experiencing IPV (OR=1.16, 95% CI: 1.04-4.11). Respondents who visited a health facility/doctor for reproductive health services were two times likely to experience IPV (OR=2.31, 95% CI: 1.65-8.20). The probability of experiencing IPV was higher (OR=1.23, 95% CI: 1.02-2.27) among respondents who disagreed on the statement” I would refuse to have sex with someone who was not prepared to use a condom” and agreed with the stamen “it was OK for a boy to hit his girlfriend” (OR=2.39, 95% CI1.42-7.47).

Conclusions:

IPV remains a significant public health priority because of it impact to society. Our results are in congruence with other similar studies. Efforts towards incorporating appropriate IPV core measures to the package for every AYA seeking health services should be explored. Programs need to address constellations of risk and protective factors linked with IPV in an effort to prevent the occurrence.