Determinants of Intimate Partner Violence among HIV Positive Women Attending ART Clinic in Fitche Hospital, Central Ethiopia: An Institution Based Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: Intimate partner violence is major health problem of women all over the world and there is shortage of information among HIV positive women’s in Ethiopia. Thus, this study aims to assess the prevalence and factors associated with Intimate partner violence among HIV positive women, attending antiretroviral clinic in Fitche Hospital, Ethiopia.Methods: An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among a total of 311 HIV positive women aged 15-49 years attending Fitche hospital Antiretroviral Therapy clinic using a questionnaire adapted from WHO multi-country study.  Analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0. Descriptive statistics, binary and multivariable logistic regression were computed.Results: The prevalence of life time intimate partner violence among HIV positive women was 46%. Physical and sexual violence were experienced by 43.7 and 25.1 percent of study participants respectively. Women living with controlling partner having and those who believe man should show who is the boss where more likely to experience intimate partner violence [(AOR 4.09(1.84, 9.09)) and (AOR 2.95(1.22, 7.16))]. On the other hand, women’s capable to raise enough money in case of emergency were 65% less likely to report intimate partner violence [AOR= 0.35(0.17, 0.70)].Conclusion: Antiretroviral Therapy adherence might be complicated as a reason of intimate partner violence. Thus, in order to enhancing Antiretroviral Therapy for patients living with HIV/AIDS, routine screening for intimate partner violence is important. Interventions should consider on increasing awareness of HIV positive women on sexual and reproductive right, gender role and their economic status.

Keywords: Intimate partner violence, HIV/AIDS, Antiretroviral Therapy