Survival Analysis and Prognostic Factors of Time to First Domestic Violence after Marriage among Married Women in Africa

ABSTRACT Background Domestic violence remains a public health challenge worldwide. Studies in the sub-Saharan Africa have shown high level of violence against women, especially from intimate partners. What is not known is how soon domestic violence happens after marriage among ever-married women. This study assessed the timing of first domestic violence among ever-married women and identified its determinants in Nigeria, Kenya, and Mozambique. Data and Method Data of 56440 ever-married women of reproductive age pooled from DHS conducted in Nigeria (2013), Kenya (2014) and Mozambique (2011) was used. The timing of first domestic violence was estimated as the period between marriage and the first experience of domestic violence. Ever-married women without violence experience were censored on the date of the survey. Survival analysis techniques were used to assess the timing and the factors influencing the timing p=0.05. Result The prevalence of domestic violence in Nigeria, Kenya and Mozambique was 12.1%, 7.5%, and 15.4% respectively. The median time to first domestic violence across the three countries was 3 years. We found a higher prevalence of violence among formerly married women than currently married women. Women who married before age 20 years have a significantly higher risk of experiencing violence (Nigeria: aHR= 2.36 (95% CI (1.97- 2.83), Kenya: aHR= 1.89 (95% CI (1.31- 2.73) and Mozambique: aHR=1.60 (95% CI (1.24 −2.12)) than older women. Women in poorer wealth quintile were at higher risk of violence across the three countries. Other factors associated with the timing of first domestic violence are respondents’, location of residence and educational attainment. Conclusion Domestic violence has remained high in Mozambique, Nigeria and Kenya. There was a significant relationship between timing of first domestic violence and whether or not a woman remains in a marriage. Education and delayed marriage could help reduce violence in marriage.