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.