INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG HIV POSITIVE WOMEN ATTENDING ART CLINICS IN PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES IN GONDAR CITY, NORTHWEST ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Introduction: Intimate partner violence is one of the most common forms of violence against women and includes physical, sexual, and emotional abuse by an intimate partner. It occurs in all settings and among all socioeconomic, religious and cultural groups. The overwhelming global burden of intimate partner violence is borne by women an estimated one in three women report ever experiencing intimate partner violence. The problem of violence against women is considered as an iceberg phenomenon since it is underestimated and undisclosed especially among sero-positive women. Therefore, the study aims to fill the gap by providing important information the prevalence and reasoning behind current IPV experience among ART user women. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the magnitude of intimate partner violence and associated factors among Human Immune Virus positive women attending antiretroviral clinics in public health facilities in Gondar city Northwest Ethiopia. Method: A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted to interview the 626 HIV positive women aged between 15-49 years. A multi stage sampling technique was used and then systematic random sampling to select study participants. Data were entered into Epi-info version 7.2.2, and then analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 software. Bivariable and Multivariable logistic regression models were done. Adjusted odds ratio the last 12 months was 64.2% multiple sexual partners women. Key words: Intimate partner violence, HIV positive women, Ethiopia