Abstract:
BACKGROUND : Evidence indicate that intimate partner violence (IPV) is disturbingly high among South African
adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). Understanding prevalence and risk factors for IPV among these
emerging adults is critical for developing appropriate interventions to prevent adverse health outcomes later in life.
This study investigates the prevalence and factors associated with lifetime physical IPV experience among AGYW,
aged 15–24 years, using the South African national HIV prevalence, incidence, behaviour and communication survey
conducted in 2017.
METHODS : The data used in this secondary analysis was obtained from a cross-sectional, population-based
household survey data, conducted using a multi-stage stratified random cluster sampling approach. Multivariate
stepwise backward logistic regression modelling was used to determine factors associated with IPV.
RESULTS : Of 716 AGYW that responded to the two commonly answered questions on IPV, 13.1% (95% CI: 9.6–17.6)
indicated that they experienced IPV. The odds of reporting experiences of IPV were significantly lower among
AGYW residing in high SES households [AOR = 0.09 (95% CI: 0.02–0.47), p = 0.004] than low SES households, and
those residing in rural informal/tribal areas [AOR = 0.01 (95% CI: 0.00–0.22), p = 0.004] than urban areas. AGYW
experiencing IPV had higher odds of reporting psychological distress compared to their counterparts [AOR = 4.37
(95% CI, 0.97–19.72), p = 0.054].
CONCLUSION : The findings highlight the need for targeted structural and psychosocial interventions in low SES
households and especially in urban areas.
