Prevalence of Physical Violence and Associated Factors among Married Women in Rural part of Northern Ethiopia

Background: Domestic violence against women is the most pervasive yet underestimated social and health problem that occur in pandemic proportions. Globally, six out of ten women experience domestic violence. The problem is not well studied in the developing country, thus the objective of this study was to determine the magnitude and factors associated with physical violence among women in the rural part of Northern Ethiopia. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in rural Hawzen District from March 1- 14, 2013 to collect data from 660 ever married women using a systematic random sampling technique. Descriptive and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed using STATA version 11 to estimate indicators and effect sizes of the violence among ever married women. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of physical violence. Result: In the current study the magnitude of physical violence in the last 12 month was 38.6%. Among the different type of physical violence slapping account for 410(65.2%), burnt 87(13.8%), hit with fist or kick 173(27.5%) and threaten with weapon 55(8.7%). Being old age of women and husband educational status were the main predictors of physical violence in the last 12 month. Conclusion: The prevalence of physical violence was high. Age of women and husband educational status are the main influencing factors of physical violence among married women. Creating community awareness about gender based violence through education and communication activities, pre-marital counseling and conflict resolution strategy are important interventions to reduce the problems.