The article estimates the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of intimate partner violence IPV by type and severity in population-based samples from three countries of the former Soviet Union fSU.
The article estimates the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of intimate partner violence IPV by type and severity in population-based samples from three countries of the former Soviet Union fSU. The article utilized nationally representative data from the Demographic and Health Surveys DHS conducted in Azerbaijan 2006, Moldova 2005, and Ukraine 2007. Respondents were selected using stratified multistage cluster sampling. The sample included ever-married or cohabitating females of reproductive age 15-49 years old; weighted sample n = 3,847 in Azerbaijan, n = 4,321 in Moldova, and n = 2,355 in Ukraine. The analysis used multinomial survey logistic regression adjusting for the sampling design and sampling weights. Ten percent of ever-partnered women in Azerbaijan and Ukraine and 20% in Moldova ever experienced physical IPV without sexual from their most recent husband or cohabitating partner; 3% of women in Azerbaijan and Ukraine and 5% in Moldova experienced sexual IPV with or without physical, and 2% of women in Azerbaijan, 3% in Ukraine, and 6% in Moldova experienced violence resulting in severe physical injuries from their most recent partner. In all three countries physical, sexual, and injurious IPV was higher among formerly married women. Compared to women with above secondary education, women with secondary education or below demonstrated higher risk for physical IPV in Moldova and Ukraine, sexual IPV in Moldova, and injurious IPV in all three countries. Poor socioeconomic statusas indicated by low household wealth status in Azerbaijan and partner's unemployment in Moldova and Ukrainewas significantly associated with higher risk for physical and injurious IPV. In Moldova and Ukraine partners' low level of education was associated with higher risk for sexual IPV. The article demonstrates that experiences and factors associated with IPV are diverse and context specific. The findings may be helpful in targeting interventions to sociodemographic groups disproportionately affected by IPV in these three transitional countries. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage.