Factors associated with children witnessing parental violence among women in reproductive age (15-49 years) in Uganda

Abstract

Background: This study examines the factors associated with children witnessing parental violence among women in the reproductive age (15-49 years) in Uganda. A cross sectional survey design was used to identify the factors associated with children witnessing parental violence in Uganda. Methods: The study involved quantitative analysis of Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) data of 2016. A total of weighted sample of 8,763 women in reproductive age (15–49 years) were included in the analyses. I examined the association between witnessing parental violence and independent variables using binary logistic regression analysis. The results are presented using odds ratio (OR), with their respective confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The overall prevalence of witnessing parental violence among women in reproductive age in Uganda was 35.3%. The factors associated with children witnessing parental violence were place of residence, wealth index, education, occupation, marital status, religion, and region. The odds of children witnessing PV among women in reproductive age were higher among women in rural area (OR=1.24; CI: 1.04-1.47) compared with Urban areas, primary level of education (OR=1.10; CI: 0.91-1.33) compared with women who had not attained any education level, other occupations (OR=1.48; CI: 1.21-1.81) compared with not working, formerly married (OR=1.47; CI: 1.13-1.91) as compared to never married, catholic (OR=1.15; CI: 1.00-1.32) as compare with Anglican and Eastern region OR=1.64; CI:1.35-1.99) compared with central region. Likewise, odds of children witnessing parental violence were reduced among women in rich wealth quintile (OR=0.80; CI: 0.67-0.95) compared with poor, secondary+ education level (OR=0.70; CI: 0.56-0.89) compare with women who had not attained education, Muslim (OR=0.63; CI: 0.49-0.79) compared with Anglicans and Western region (OR= 0.81; CI: 0.67- 1.00) compare with central region. Age of the respondent was not associated with children witnessing PV among women in reproductive age. Conclusion: The low levels of education increased the odds of witnessing parental violence among women in reproductive age. Efforts to address parental violence especially in rural families should consider advancing women´s education and preventive measures targeting rural women, religious faiths, women in agricultural sector, poor families and Eastern region, stressing the dangers of children witnessing parental violence in the country.