Exploring the Predictive Correlates of Intimate Partner Violence on Psychological Distress of Selected Married Women in North East Nigeria

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major challenge in most marriages, and women are the most affected. Available studies in sub-Saharan Africa considered associated factors in IPV and psychological distress. This study therefore explored the predictive correlates of intimate partner violence on the psychological distress of selected married women in North East Nigeria. This cross-sectional study adopted a purposive sampling technique and 397 married women were selected. The participants responded to questionnaires measuring psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire –28) and Intimate Partner Violence (HARK-4). The dimensions of IPV (Humiliation, Afraid, Rape and Kick) jointly predicted psychological distress among married women. The dimensions contributed a significant variance of 11% to the changes observed in psychological distress. Only afraid, which might be categorised as a psychological form of IPV independently predicted psychological distress. On demographical variables, educational level and marriage duration predicted psychological distress. According to the study’s findings, married women may be more susceptible to psychological distress due to their educational levels, shorter marriage duration, and fear of their partners. The results of this study should be taken into consideration when creating programs to mitigate IPV against women by relevant stakeholders. Keywords: Intimate Partner Violence Dimensions, Married Women, Psychological Distress