Multilevel correlates of the severity of intimate partner violence among women in Nigeria: Evidence from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey

Considering the high prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) against women in Nigeria and the dire health implications, this study assessed the multilevel factors associated with the severity of IPV (SIPV) among ever-partnered women (i.e., ever-married or cohabited) in Nigeria. The 2018 Nigeria Demographic Health Survey (712 women) was analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple ordinal logistic regression. Results show that 19.7%, 17.7%, and 62.6% of women experienced more severe, less severe, and no severe IPV, respectively. At the individual level, the odds of more severe IPV (MSIPV) were higher among women whose male partners drank alcohol (compared to those whose male partners did not). At the household/ relationship level, the odds were lower among childless women (than non-childless women with male children). The odds of MSIPV were higher for those exposed to interparental violence (than the unexposed) and as the male partner's control score increased. Male partner's dominance in household decisions was negatively associated with more severe IPV. At the community level, the odds of MSIPV were lower for women in communities with high support for wife-beating (than communities with low support). Compared to the North-Central region, the likelihood of MSIPV was greater among women in the North-East. This finding may help interventions for protecting and preventing women from experiencing IPV in Nigeria.